Ahoi Ashtami 2022 Date: Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations
Ahoi Ashtami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by mothers for the well-being and longevity of their children. This auspicious day falls on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2022, Ahoi Ashtami will be observed on 23rd October.
Significance of Ahoi Ashtami
Ahoi Ashtami holds great importance in Hindu culture, especially for mothers. It is believed that observing this fast and performing the rituals on Ahoi Ashtami brings prosperity, happiness, and good health to the family, especially to the children. Mothers pray to the goddess Ahoi Mata, who is believed to protect and bless their children.
Rituals of Ahoi Ashtami
On Ahoi Ashtami, mothers wake up early and observe a strict fast throughout the day. They perform a special puja dedicated to Ahoi Mata. The puja involves drawing an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall or a piece of paper and offering prayers. The fasting mothers break their fast after sighting the stars in the evening.
During the puja, mothers offer traditional food items like wheat, jaggery, fruits, and milk to Ahoi Mata. They also prepare a special dish called “Halwa” made of wheat flour, ghee, and sugar. This dish is later distributed among family members as prasad.
Celebrations of Ahoi Ashtami
Ahoi Ashtami is primarily celebrated in North India, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Mothers dress up in traditional attire and visit temples or gather at home to perform the puja together. They also exchange sweets and gifts with other mothers.
The festival creates a joyful atmosphere as families come together to celebrate the well-being of their children. Children also participate in the celebrations and seek blessings from their mothers.
Conclusion
Ahoi Ashtami is a special day for mothers to express their love and pray for the well-being of their children. It is a time of togetherness and celebration as families come together to perform the rituals and seek blessings from Ahoi Mata. The festival reminds us of the importance of maternal love and the bond between a mother and her child.