What is Ahoi Ashtami?
Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated approximately 8 days before Diwali and 4 days after Karwa Chauth on Krishna Paksha Ashtami.
Traditionally, the festival was celebrated by mothers by observing a fast for a safe and healthy life for their sons.
However, in modern days, mothers observe fast for the well-being of all their children, sons and daughters.
Like Karwa Chauth, the Ahoi Ashtami fast is also observed without any water, i.e., Nirjala vrat.
However, the fast is broken at twilight upon sighting evening stars, as opposed to Karwa Chauth, where the fast is broken after moonrise.
Ahoi Ashtami Date & Timing
Ahoi Ashtami 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, October 13th.
See the table below for a detailed information regarding Ahoi Ashtami vrat timing and puja muhurat.
| Occasion | Timing | Duration |
| Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat | 06:14 PM to 07:27 PM, Oct 13 | 1hr 13 mins |
| Sanjh (evening) timing for star sighting | 06:25 PM | |
| Moonrise timing | 12:00 PM | |
| Ashtami Tithi | 12:24 PM, Oct 13 to 11:09 AM, Oct 14 | 22hrs 45 mins |
Ahoi Ashtami Rituals
Traditionally, women observing the Ahoi Ashtami vrat indulged in various rituals such as:
- Painting the wall with the drawing of Ahoi Mata and her eight children using vermillion (sindoor).
- Fill a kalash with holy water and place a coconut on the top.
- Lighting a ghee lamp and offering flowers, sweets, and gold or silver coins to Ahoi Mata.
- Reciting Ahoi Ashtami katha while performing the puja.
Buy shubh gold coins on the Jar app. Save money in digital gold on the app and use your savings to purchase gold coins and jewellery.
It is also believed that women who are unable to conceive a child or who have not yet got pregnant keep this fast for a healthy baby.
Some people even take a Radha Kund snan in the Radha Kund of the Mathura district. It is believed that performing this ritual blesses the couple with a son like Krishna.
FAQs
1. Is Ahoi Ashtami for son?
Traditionally, mothers observed the Ahoi Ashtami fast for their sons’ long and healthy lives. However, nowadays, the fast is observed for the well-being of both sons and daughters.
2. What is the time of Ashtami in 2025?
Ahoi Ashtami 2025 puja muhurat is from 06:14 PM to 07:27 PM on Oct 13.
3. Is Ahoi fast without water?
Yes, Ahoi Ashtami is observed as a fast without consuming water. This type of fast is also known as Nirjala vrat, which married women also observe during Karwa Chauth.
4. How many days after Karwa Chauth is Ahoi Ashtami?
Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated four days after the Karwa Chauth vrat.
