Ahoi Ashtami: A Celebration of Maternal Love and Devotion

Chetna Bansal
Oct 24, 2024
2 min read

Ahoi Ashtami, celebrated on the eighth day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartik, holds profound significance for mothers in India. This day is dedicated to honoring the bond between mothers and their children, as they pray for the well-being and longevity of their sons.

The festival symbolizes the

unwavering love and devotion that a mother embodies, reflecting the deep-rooted belief that a mother’s prayers can guide her children toward a prosperous and fulfilling life.

The origin of Ahoi Ashtami is beautifully encapsulated in the heartwarming katha of a devoted mother. Once, in a small village, there lived a woman who had a beloved son. She cherished him deeply and prayed fervently for his safety and success. One year, as her son played by the river, he accidentally fell in. The villagers gathered, but despair filled the air. The mother, hearing the cries of her son, rushed to the riverbank and offered her heartfelt prayers to Goddess Ahoi, vowing to observe a fast for her son’s recovery. Moved by her devotion, the goddess granted her wish, and the boy was miraculously saved.

From that day on, mothers have observed Ahoi Ashtami to invoke the goddess's blessings for their children.

On this auspicious day, mothers prepare for the pooja with great reverence and devotion. The preparations begin a day prior, as they clean their homes and gather pooja samagri.

To perform the Ahoi Ashtami puja, begin the ritual in the evening after cleaning the designated area. Draw an image of Ahoi Mata or place a picture, and fill a kalash (water pot). Offer milk, sweets, fruits, and a ghee diya (lamp). Worship Ahoi Mata with flowers and prepare dishes like kheer or halwa as offerings. Mothers fast throughout the day and break their fast after seeing the stars, praying for their children's well-being. The puja concludes with distributing the prasad and seeking blessings for the

family.

Enhance Your Ahoi Ashtami Celebration

Consider incorporating thoughtful offerings that resonate with the spirit of the festival:

· Decorative Diyas can illuminate your pooja space with a warm, inviting glow.

· The sweet fragrance of Roli (Kumkum) can further elevate your spiritual experience.

· Don't forget to ring a Pooja Bell during the rituals.

· A beautifully crafted Pooja Thali allows you to present your offerings with grace and elegance.

· An Incense Stick Holder can fill your space with fragrant aromas.

As you celebrate Ahoi Ashtami, each ritual and offering becomes a manifestation of your love and commitment to your children. Embrace the essence of this beautiful festival with thoughtful additions that enhance your pooja and embody the spirit of devotion. Let Gangajal, roli (kumkum), a puja bell, a puja thali, and an incense stick holder serve as your companions on this sacred journey, making your celebrations more meaningful and memorable.