
Ahoi Ashtami 2025 – Date, Significance, Vrat Katha, and Rituals for Children’s Wellbeing
Ahoi Ashtami is a heartfelt Hindu festival observed by mothers across India, especially in North India, to pray for the health, longevity, and happiness of their children. The vrat (fast) is observed on the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month, falling eight days before Diwali. Like Karwa Chauth, it is a nirjala vrat—meaning no food or water is consumed until the evening star sighting. In 2025, Ahoi Ashtami will be observed on Monday, 13th October.
Ahoi Ashtami 2025 – Date and Tithi
- Date: Monday, 13th October 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 13th October at 1:36 AM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 14th October at 12:27 AM
- Ahoi Puja Muhurat: 5:40 PM – 6:55 PM IST
- Star Sighting Time (to break fast): Around 6:45 PM to 7:00 PM IST (check local timing)
Why is Ahoi Ashtami Observed?
- Ahoi Ashtami is dedicated to Ahoi Mata, a benevolent form of Goddess Parvati, worshipped for protecting children from illness, danger, and untimely death
- Mothers observe this vrat with love and sincerity, praying for their children’s growth, good health, and future success
- The fast is not just religious but emotionally meaningful, rooted in maternal strength, sacrifice, and divine trust
Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha (The Story)
The vrat is rooted in an ancient story. A woman accidentally killed a lion cub while digging for soil. As a result of the karmic curse, she lost all her children. In deep repentance, she prayed to Ahoi Mata and observed a strict fast. The goddess was moved by her sincerity and restored her children to life. Since then, mothers have kept this fast to seek forgiveness, blessings, and protection for their children.
Rituals of Ahoi Ashtami Vrat
Before Sunrise
- Wake up early and take a sankalp (vow) to observe the fast
- Refrain from food and water until evening, maintaining silence or mantras throughout the day
Evening Puja (5:40 PM – 6:55 PM IST)
- Clean a wall and draw the image of Ahoi Mata or paste a printed Ahoi chart
- Set up the altar with a kalash (water pot), diya, raw milk, and if possible, a silver coin or Ahoi symbol
- Offer grains, roli, chawal (rice), sweets, and fruits to Ahoi Mata
- Sit with your children and recite the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha
- Perform aarti and individually pray for each child by name
After Star Sighting
- Once the first star is visible in the sky, offer arghya (water) to the star
- End the fast by drinking water and eating satvik food
- The first meal is often shared with family, creating a bonding moment between mothers and children
Important Traditions & Tips
- Even women without children may observe Ahoi Ashtami as a prayer for conceiving or seeking divine blessings
- Some offer silver coins, stitched cloth, or fruits as a gesture of gratitude after wish fulfillment
- The presence of children during the puja strengthens the intention and energy of the ritual
- Avoid distractions—this is a time for spiritual focus and maternal reflection
Regional Observances
- Delhi, Haryana, UP, Punjab: Celebrated widely with Ahoi Mata wall art, storytelling, and traditional thali decoration
- Maharashtra & Gujarat: Not traditionally prominent, but increasingly practiced in urban families
- Temples of Ahoi Mata: Experience large gatherings and collective pujas for protection and prosperity
Spiritual Significance
- Reinforces maternal energy, self-discipline, and divine trust
- A powerful day for cleansing karmas, especially related to family or child-rearing
- Encourages emotional bonding, gratitude, and spiritual responsibility as a parent
- Brings peace and strength to households seeking conception, protection, or healing
How to Celebrate Ahoi Ashtami at Home
You can observe this sacred vrat meaningfully with simple steps:
- Clean your home and prepare a small altar or wall space for Ahoi Mata
- Use diyas, rangoli, flowers, and your child’s photo or name plate during the puja
- Chant “Om Ahoi Bhagavati Namah” or “Om Durgaayai Namah”
- Share the story of Ahoi Ashtami with your child or family
- Break the fast only after star darshan, with prayers and gratitude
Book Pandit or Get Ahoi Puja Kit Delivered
BookMyPooja offers:
- Vrat guidance, puja vidhi, and Katha reading in Hindi and regional languages
- Assistance with samagri kits, kalash setup, and thali decoration
- Online and in-person puja services with Vedic priests trained in North Indian traditions
To schedule your Ahoi Ashtami Puja, visit www.BookMyPoojaOnline.com or call 9869 92 92 92.
Let your devotion this Ahoi Ashtami bless your children with health, joy, and divine protection.