Unveiling the Essence of Ahoi Ashtami: A Celebration of Maternal Love and Devotion

Ahoi Ashtami, celebrated on October 13, 2025, is a significant festival in Indian culture, especially among mothers. This day is dedicated to Ahoi Mata, a divine figure revered for her maternal love and protection. The festival is observed during the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month, marking a special occasion for mothers to pray for their children's long life, prosperity, and success.

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha is a crucial part of the celebration. The story revolves around a devoted mother who, through her steadfast faith in Ahoi Mata, revives her seven sons, symbolizing the power of a mother's love and devotion. This narrative is deeply interwoven with the cultural and religious fabric of the festival, emphasizing maternal affection and the importance of prayer for children's well-being.

On this day, women observe a fast (vrat) and perform a series of rituals, including the worship of Ahoi Mata. A significant ritual involves creating a silver locket of Syau Mata and adding two silver beads to it annually. This practice is followed by offering water to the stars, typically in the evening, after listening to the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha. The fast is broken after the star sighting, which is an integral part of the ceremony.

For those observing the fast, it is advised to avoid using sharp objects like knives or blades that could harm any living being. The evening is filled with the recitation of prayers and hymns, including the popular Ahoi Mata Ki Aarti, which eulogizes her as a protective and nurturing figure.

Shubh Muhurat for Ahoi Ashtami in 2025 falls between 5:53 PM and 7:08 PM, with the star sighting time at approximately 6:17 PM and moonrise expected at 11:20 PM [1].