Ahoi Ashtami is one of the most heartfelt festivals. It is a day when mothers fast for the health, happiness, and longevity of their children. The festival arrives every year, a few days before Diwali, carrying with it a spirit of devotion and quiet strength.

On this day, homes are cleaned, lamps are lit, and walls are decorated with drawings of Ahoi Mata, the divine mother who protects children from harm. The fast may be strict, often without food or water, but what makes it special is the love behind it. Every prayer offered to Ahoi Mata becomes a wish for a child’s happiness, safety, and success. Let’s explore the Ahoi Ashtami 2025 date, puja time, and rituals that make this festival a cherished tradition in India.

Ahoi Ashtami 2025: Date, Time, and Shubh Muhurat

This year, Ahoi Ashtami falls on October 13 during the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. To make the most of the festival’s sacred energy, devotees should observe the rituals and puja during the most auspicious timings listed below:

Puja Muhurat: 5:51 pm to 7:04 pm

Duration: 1 hour 13 minutes

Sighting of Stars: 6:12 pm

Moonrise: 11:45 pm

Ashtami Tithi Begins: 12:24 pm on October 13, 2025

Ashtami Tithi Ends: 11:09 am on October 14, 2025

The Significance of Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami, also known as Ahoi Aathe, is observed eight days before Diwali and four days after Karwa Chauth. It is a celebration of maternal love and the blessings of Goddess Parvati, worshipped in her form as Ahoi Mata, the guardian of children. This fast is known for its discipline and devotion. Mothers abstain from food and water throughout the day, spending time in prayer and reflection. 

It is not about endurance but about gratitude. Think of it as a mother’s way of thanking the universe for the gift of children and seeking protection from unseen difficulties. The festival also reminds families of the power of faith and repentance. Many women choose to donate food, clothes, or grains on this day as a gesture of compassion and goodwill.

Ahoi Ashtami Puja Vidhi

The Ahoi Ashtami puja is simple yet deeply symbolic. Here is how you can perform it:

• Morning Preparation: After taking a bath, women take a vow (sankalp) to fast for their children’s health and happiness.

• Evening Puja Setup: At sunset, the place of worship is cleaned and decorated. Ahoi Mata’s image is drawn or placed on the wall with stars and a hedgehog, which holds special significance in the vrat’s legend.

• Offerings and Rituals: Light a diya, offer flowers, sweets, roli, and rice, and recite the Ahoi Mata Vrat Katha. The story reminds devotees of the power of truth, remorse, and devotion.

• Mantra Chanting: During the puja, you can chant Om Jai Jagdish Hare or Gayatri Mantra to invite peace and positivity into the home. You can listen to these mantras and chant along on AstroSure.ai for guidance and clarity. 

• Breaking the Fast: The fast ends after sighting the stars or the moon. Water and simple sattvic food are consumed afterwards.

The Story of Ahoi Ashtami

The origin of Ahoi Ashtami is rooted in the story of a mother whose faith transformed tragedy into a miracle. Long ago, a woman went to the forest to collect soil for her home repairs before Diwali. While digging, she accidentally injured a baby hedgehog, leading to its death. Deeply regretful, she returned home and soon suffered a terrible loss: all seven of her sons died mysteriously.

Crushed by grief, she met an elderly woman who advised her to worship Ahoi Mata, the divine mother of all children. Following her advice, the woman observed a fast on the Ashtami Tithi of Kartik month, sketching the image of a hedgehog and praying sincerely for forgiveness. Moved by her devotion, Ahoi Mata appeared before her and blessed her, bringing her sons back to life. Since then, mothers observe Ahoi Ashtami with unshaken faith, believing that the Goddess grants protection and long life to their children.

You can listen to the complete and authentic Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha on AstroSure.ai to invite blessings, peace, and divine protection for your children.

Rituals and Restrictions

To maintain the sanctity of the day, devotees follow certain traditions and avoid specific activities:

• Avoid wearing black or dark colours. Red, pink, and yellow are considered auspicious.

• Stay calm and positive. Avoid anger, gossip, or arguments during the fast.

• Eat only sattvic food after breaking the fast. Avoid onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian meals.

• Donate food, clothes, or money to those in need. Charity strengthens the effect of the vrat.

Spiritual Meaning of Ahoi AshtamiAhoi Ashtami carries a message of transformation. It teaches that even in guilt, repentance, and loss, faith can bring redemption. The fast reminds us to be conscious of our actions, grateful for our blessings, and humble before the divine. In today’s world, it serves as a spiritual pause. It is a reminder that devotion is not about grandeur but about sincerity. Fasting, drawing Ahoi Mata, and praying with a full heart connect families not just to tradition but also to each other.

Ahoi Ashtami invites every parent to express love through faith. Whether you fast, light a diya, or simply pray for your children’s safety, the day is about intention, offering gratitude to the divine mother who protects, nurtures, and forgives.

Ask Agastyaa. Let AstroSure.ai guide your fast with divine precision today