Ahoi Ashtami Vrat 2025: Date, Puja Muhurat, Puja Samagri, Legends and Significance
By Pt. Amitabh Sharma
Ahoi Mata’s children protection worship, Anant Sutra legend, Regional Traditions and Astrological Benefits
Table of Contents
Ahoi Ashtami is a sacred fast observed by mothers for the longevity and prosperity of their children. Similar to Karwa Chauth for husbands, this vrat is dedicated to the well-being of sons and daughters. In 2025 Ahoi Ashtami falls on Tuesday, October 13.
The Kartik Krishna Ashtami Tithi begins at 12:24 PM on October 13 and ends at 11:09 AM on October 14. The puja muhurat is 5:53 PM to 7:08 PM. The star worship time is around 6:17 PM and moonrise is at 11:20 PM.
Legend and Symbolism
Puranic tradition states that Queen Ahoi fasted to protect her six children from a serpent bite. Her devotion saved them, making Ahoi Ashtami a symbol of maternal love. Another legend speaks of King Manu tying the fourteen-knotted Anant thread to secure his kingdom’s safety and prosperity.
Puja Samagri (Materials Needed)
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Image or Idol of Ahoi Mata | Focus of worship |
| Kalash with water | Sacred ablution |
| Flowers and Rice | Offerings |
| Incense and Lamp | Fragrance and light |
| Roli, Turmeric, Sandalwood | Tilak and adornment |
| Panchamrit | Abhishek of the deity |
| Dry flour or Choora | Symbol of stability and purity |
| Decorated Karva | Symbol of the vrat |
| Red chunari and bangles | Traditional adornment |
Puja Vidhi (Method)
- Wake before dawn and take a purifying bath.
- Place the Ahoi Mata image and kalash.
- Perform abhishek using Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar).
- Apply tilak with roli, turmeric and sandalwood.
- Adorn the kalash with flowers.
- Tie the decorated karva on the wrist with devotion.
- Recite the Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha and star worship.
- Break the fast only after sighting the stars in the evening.
Astrological Benefits
| Planet | Effect |
|---|---|
| Moon | Emotional security and maternal instincts |
| Jupiter | Guidance for children’s growth |
| Mars | Family strength and respect |
Regional Practices
- In North India communal recitation of vrat katha strengthens bonds.
- In Gujarat women celebrate with folk songs around the decorated karva.
- In Bihar the vrat is observed with traditional ballads honoring Ahoi Mata.
- In South India community groups hold prayer meetings and share prasada.
Spiritual and Social Benefits
Fasting instills self-control. Karva worship strengthens parental bonds. Distribution of prasada fosters community harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who observes Ahoi Ashtami?
Mothers observing for their children’s protection and longevity.
Q2: Should the fast be waterless?
Waterless fast is meritorious but fruit-only fast is permitted.
Q3: When to recite the vrat katha?
It is auspicious to recite after star worship in the evening.
Q4: How to decorate the karva?
Using a red chunari, bangles and flowers is traditional.
Q5: What is served as prasada?
Dry flour preparation, Panchamrit, fruits and sweets as prasada.
