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Festival Profile

Ahoi Ashtami

Mothers fast for their children's well-being and worship the Ahoi goddess.

All festivals

Ahoi Ashtami is a festival where mothers fast for the well-being of their children and worship the Ahoi goddess.

Stories behind the festival

The mother's fast

Ahoi Ashtami is observed by mothers for the welfare of their children. The Ahoi goddess, an aspect of the Divine Mother, is worshipped to protect children, and the fast is broken after sighting the stars.
North India regional tradition

Why we celebrate

Ahoi Ashtami is a festival where mothers fast for the well-being of their children and worship the Ahoi goddess.
North India regional tradition

When

Ahoi Ashtami falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight of Kartik (October-November), eight days before Diwali.

Since when it is followed

The Ahoi Ashtami fast is an ancient North Indian tradition.
North India regional tradition

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by mothers in northern India for their children's long life and well-being.

Origin

The origin is the fast of mothers for their children, honouring the Ahoi goddess and the stars.
North India regional tradition

Key deities

The Ahoi goddess, and the stars (seen through the window in the evening).

How to celebrate

Mothers fast, perform the Ahoi puja with the drawing of the goddess, and break the fast after seeing the stars.

Rituals & offerings

Ahoi puja, fasting, and the offering of sweets and fruits.

Key facts

Ahoi Ashtami falls eight days before Diwali.
Regional tradition