This vow falls four days after Karva Chauth, and about a week before Diwali. The exact time for offering arghya to the stars varies by city and year, so check a local panchang.
Significance of Ahoi Ashtami
According to legend, a woman from a merchant family went into the forest to dig clay for her home, and accidentally, her spade caused the death of a female jackal's (Syahu's) cub. Following this, her own seven sons began dying one after another. Distressed, she sought counsel from the elder women of her village.
On the elders' advice, the woman drew images of the Syahu with her cubs and Mata Ahoi on the wall, sought forgiveness with complete devotion, and observed the vow. By Mata Ahoi's grace, her remaining sons were protected, and since then, this vow has been observed by mothers for the protection of their children.
Mata Ahoi is regarded as a form of Goddess Parvati herself, worshipped especially as the deity of children's wellbeing, long life, and protection. This vow falls four days after Karva Chauth and about a week before Diwali, and is especially popular in North India.
How Ahoi Ashtami Is Celebrated
Mothers bathe in the morning and begin the waterless fast. An image of Mata Ahoi along with the Syahu and her cubs is drawn on the wall using red and yellow clay, or a printed image is used instead.
In the evening, after the puja, the Ahoi Ashtami legend is heard, and a silver-beaded necklace called 'Ahoi' is worn. The fast is broken only after the stars appear, offering them arghya of water.
In some places, mothers break the fast upon sighting the moon instead of the stars, depending on when the moon rises that day. After the puja, a meal is shared with the family.
Ahoi Ashtami Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning and begin the waterless fast. Draw an image of Mata Ahoi and the Syahu's cubs on the wall, or use a printed image. In the evening, perform the puja and listen to the legend of Mata Ahoi, and break the fast by offering water as arghya upon sighting the stars or the moon.
About Ahoi Ashtami
Ahoi Ashtami is the vow observed by mothers on Kartik Krishna Ashtami for their children's wellbeing. This page covers the vow's significance, the legend of Mata Ahoi and the Syahu, and the tradition of offering arghya to the stars.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ahoi Ashtami observed?
Ahoi Ashtami is observed every year on Kartik Krishna Ashtami, four days after Karva Chauth.
When is the Ahoi Ashtami fast broken?
The fast is broken in the evening upon sighting the stars, offering them arghya of water, in some places, it is broken upon moonrise instead.
Who is Mata Ahoi?
Mata Ahoi is regarded as a form of Goddess Parvati, worshipped as the deity of children's wellbeing, long life, and protection.
What is the Ahoi necklace?
The Ahoi necklace is a special necklace made of silver beads, worn by mothers during the vow, to which a bead is often added each year and worn on in the years that follow.