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Ahoi Ashtami 2023: Today, on the 5th of November, 2023, people across North India are celebrating the auspicious festival of Ahoi Ashtami. Ahoi Ashtami, also known as Ahoi Aath or Ahoi Ashtami Vrat, is a significant Hindu festival that revolves around motherhood, fasting, and the well-being of children. This day is observed on the eighth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, just a few days before Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
The Significance of Ahoi Ashtami
Ahoi Ashtami holds immense importance for mothers and their children. The word “Ahoi” is derived from “Aho,” meaning “to protect” or “to save.” On this day, mothers fast from sunrise to moonrise to seek the well-being and longevity of their sons and daughters. It is believed that observing this fast and performing the associated rituals can bring blessings for the entire family.
Rituals and Customs
- Preparations: The preparations for Ahoi Ashtami begin a day in advance. Women clean and decorate their homes, especially the prayer room, with great care. An image or picture of Ahoi Mata, a form of Goddess Parvati, is placed on the wall.
- Fasting: On the day of Ahoi Ashtami, mothers fast from sunrise to moonrise. The fast is observed without consuming food or even water, and it is broken only after sighting the stars or the moon.
- Ahoi Ashtami Katha: In the evening, women gather in the prayer room and narrate the Ahoi Ashtami Katha, a story that revolves around the significance of the festival. The Katha narrates the tale of a mother who accidentally killed a baby owl and was later blessed with a son.
- Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha Book: Many families have a special book called the “Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha” that contains the story, along with detailed instructions on how to perform the rituals associated with the fast.
- Drawing Ahoi Mata: Some families also draw the image of Ahoi Mata on the wall or use a printed image to aid them during the prayers.
- Lighting Diyas: Oil lamps, or diyas, are lit in the prayer room to create a divine atmosphere.
- Offerings: Typically, a bowl of water, seven different types of grains, and some fruits are offered to Ahoi Mata. These offerings are made with the belief that they will bring prosperity to the family.
Final Thought:
Ahoi Ashtami is not just a religious ritual but a festival that celebrates the deep bond between mothers and their children. It is a day to pray for the health and happiness of one’s offspring, seeking protection and blessings from the divine. As we celebrate Ahoi Ashtami on the 5th of November, 2023, it is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of motherhood and the love and sacrifices that mothers make for their children. This festival is a reminder of the timeless values of family, love, and spirituality that have been cherished for generations in the rich tapestry of Indian culture.
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