Ahoi Ashtami 2025 – October 13: Ultimate Puja Muhurta and Children’s Well-Being

Ahoi Ashtami 2025 – October 13 : Puja Muhurta & Children’s Well-Being

Ahoi Ashtami 2025 – October 13 : Ahoi Ashtami is a sacred Hindu festival observed by mothers for the safety, health, and longevity of their children. This special fast combines devotion, love, and discipline, reflecting a mother’s prayers for her family’s well-being. In 2025, Ahoi Ashtami falls on Monday, October 13, during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of Kartik month.

Puja Muhurta and Timings in 2025

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurta will be from 5:53 pm to 7:08 pm, lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The stargazing (dusk) time is at 6:17 pm, while the moonrise on Krishna Dashami will occur at 11:20 pm. Many devotees also take holy dips in Govardhan and Radha Kund, considered spiritually purifying during this observance.

Significance of Ahoi Ashtami

The festival is rooted in a touching legend. Once, a woman accidentally killed a lion cub while digging soil and soon lost her seven sons. In grief, she prayed to Goddess Ahoi (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati) and observed a fast with complete devotion. Impressed by her faith, the Goddess restored her children, symbolizing maternal love, repentance, and divine forgiveness.

Today, women observe this fast for the well-being of all their children, irrespective of gender. Ahoi Mata is revered as a protector who blesses children with health, prosperity, and safety from hardships.

How to Observe the Ahoi Ashtami Fast

The fast begins before sunrise with a holy bath and a Sankalp (vow) to observe the fast for children’s safety. Some women observe a strict fast without food or water, while others consume milk or fruits.

During the evening puja, devotees prepare the Ahoi Mata idol or paint her image on a wall. The image often depicts a mother with her cubs, symbolizing fertility and protection. An earthen pot filled with water, adorned with vermilion and sacred grass, is placed near the idol, along with offerings like rice, lamps, sweets, eight puris, eight puas, and halwa.

The Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha is recited to honor the legend, and prayers are offered for forgiveness and blessings. After sunset, when stars become visible at 6:17 pm, water is offered to them as they are considered divine protectors of children. In some traditions, the fast is broken after moonrise at 11:20 pm.

Traditional Remedies for Children’s Well-Being

In addition to fasting and prayers, devotees follow symbolic practices to secure blessings for their children:

Offering bangles, bindis, or mirrors to Goddess Ahoi to invoke her nurturing energy.
Chanting mantras dedicated to Goddess Parvati or Ahoi Mata throughout the day.
Feeding cows or performing Kanya Pujan, symbolizing divine blessings reaching children.
Charity and donations in the name of children to cultivate compassion and positive energy.

These simple rituals have been passed down for generations and are believed to bring protection, prosperity, and good fortune to children.