अहोई अष्टमी
Ahoi Ashtami
Mothers fast for the wellbeing of their children and break the fast after seeing the stars.
About Ahoi Ashtami
Ahoi Ashtami falls on the Ashtami of Kartika Krishna Paksha, four days after Karva Chauth and eight days before Diwali. It is dedicated to Ahoi Mata, a form of Goddess Parvati.
Mothers keep a fast from sunrise and break it in the evening after offering arghya to the stars. Some families break it at moonrise instead, which comes late on this night.
How to celebrate
Draw or hang an image of Ahoi Mata with eight corners and a porcupine (syahu) and her cubs.
Keep the fast from sunrise without food, and often without water.
In the evening, place a karva of water near the image and listen to the Ahoi Mata katha.
Offer arghya to the stars when they appear, then break the fast.
The story
A woman digging soil near a den accidentally killed a cub of a syahu. Over the years her sons died one by one. On the advice of an elder she worshipped Ahoi Mata on this Ashtami, and her children were returned to her.
Questions
When is Ahoi Ashtami in 2027?
Ahoi Ashtami 2027 is on Friday, 22 October 2027. Krishna Ashtami tithi begins at 11:56 AM on Friday 22 October and ends at 9:59 AM on Saturday 23 October IST.
What is the Ahoi Ashtami puja time in 2027?
In New Delhi, Pradosh Kaal is from 5:44 PM to 8:17 PM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
When do you break the Ahoi Ashtami fast?
Most mothers break it after the stars are visible in the evening. Families that wait for the moon break it later, at moonrise.
Is Ahoi Ashtami only for sons?
Traditionally it was kept for sons, but today most mothers keep it for all their children.
Around Ahoi Ashtami
Coming up
- Saphala EkadashiSun 3 Jan
- LohriThu 14 Jan
- Makar SankrantiFri 15 Jan
- PongalFri 15 Jan
- Pausha Putrada EkadashiMon 18 Jan
- Shattila EkadashiTue 2 Feb
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