Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami is a vrat traditionally observed by mothers for the welfare and longevity of their children. A well-known katha tells of a woman who went to the forest to collect soil before Diwali and accidentally killed the young of a wild animal while digging. Soon sorrow entered her family and she came to understand the suffering caused by the unintended act. She prayed sincerely, observed the Ashtami vow and sought forgiveness; through repentance and worship her children were restored to well-being. The story gives the vrat its themes of maternal concern, responsibility for living beings and the possibility of correcting an accidental wrong through remorse and compassionate action. Women worship Ahoi Mata, draw or place her image, count or remember their children in prayer, and traditionally complete the observance after seeing the stars or according to family custom.

Ahoi Ashtami is valued for devotion, family tradition and the spiritual or seasonal meaning attached to the day.

From sunrise until the stars are seen, or until the moon in some families. Broken with water offered from a karwa kept from Karwa Chauth.