When is Ahoi Ashtami 2023? Date, time and significance

Ahoi Ashtami is an important Hindu festival that falls on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, which is the dark fortnight of the moon, in the month of Kartik. This festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by mothers who fast for the well-being and prosperity of their children. On this day, mothers wake up early in the morning, take a bath and offer prayers to Goddess Ahoi Mata.

They observe a strict fast throughout the day and break it only after sighting the stars in the evening. The fast is believed to bring good health, a long life, and success to their children.

Ahoi Ashtami is also a time for families to come together and offer their gratitude towards their mothers who tirelessly work towards their children's happiness and well-being.

Ahoi Ashtami Muhrat time according to Drik Panchang:

• Ahoi Ashtami is on Sunday, November 5, 2023
• Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat - 06:03 PM to 07:19 PM
• Duration - 01 Hour 16 Mins
• Govardhana Radha Kunda Snan on Sunday, November 5, 2023
• Sanjh (evening) time for sighting Stars - 06:26 PM
• Moonrise on Ahoi Ashtami - 12:38 AM, Nov 06
• Ashtami Tithi Begins - 12:59 AM on Nov 05, 2023
• Ashtami Tithi Ends - 03:18 AM on Nov 06, 2023

Significance of Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami holds great importance for Hindu mothers. It is believed that observing a fast on this day and offering prayers to Ahoi Mata, the goddess of children, brings blessings of good health, longevity, and prosperity to their children. Moreover, this festival is said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect children from harm.

Ahoi Ashtami Puja

Ahoi Ashtami is a festival where mothers prepare a special puja thali with offerings of Ahoi Mata.

• The thali includes a plate of seven grains, a pot of water, a diya, flowers, and incense sticks.
• They also make a special offering of seven pooriyas, which are deep-fried flatbreads made with wheat flour.
• The pooriyas are filled with a sweet or savory stuffing and are decorated with edible colors.
• The puja begins with the mother lighting the diya and offering incense to Ahoi Mata.
• She then chants the story of the festival, known as Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha.
• After completing the puja, the mother breaks her fast by eating the pooriyas and other offerings. She also shares the offerings with her children and other family members.

Ahoi Ashtami is a special day for Hindu mothers to celebrate the bond they have with their children. It is also a day to pray for their children's well-being and happiness.