The ritual of observing the Ahoi Ashtami fast (vrat) is deeply ingrained in the Hindu culture, particularly among mothers who seek the divine blessings of Ahoi Mata for the well-being of their children. Below is an outline of the ritualistic procedures traditionally followed during Ahoi Ashtami:

Preparations:

Sankalp (Pledge):

On the morning of Ahoi Ashtami, after taking a bath, women take a pledge (Sankalp) to observe the fast for the well-being of their children. The fast is to be observed without consuming any food or water, and it’s to be broken after sighting the stars or the moon, depending on family traditions.

Puja Preparations:

Before sunset (during Sayankal), preparations for the Puja (prayer ceremony) should be made. This includes drawing the image of Goddess Ahoi on the wall, which should have eight corners (Ashtha Koshthak) due to the festival’s association with Ashtami Tithi. Images of Sei (hedgehog and its children) from the Ahoi Ashtami legend should also be drawn near the Goddess. If drawing on the wall is not feasible, a large wallpaper of Ahoi Ashtami Puja can be used.

The place of worship is sanctified with holy water, and wheat is spread on the floor or on a wooden stool, upon which a water-filled Kalash (pot) is kept. The Kalash should be covered with an earthen lid, and a smaller earthen pot (Karwa) is kept on top of the Kalash, filled with water, and covered with its lid. The nozzle of the Karwa is blocked with shoots of grass, commonly known as Sarai Seenka, or cotton buds if the grass shoots are not available.

The food items used in Puja include 8 Puri, 8 Pua, and Halwa, which are later given to an elderly lady in the family or a Brahmin, along with some money.

Fasting Procedure:

Observing the Fast:

Those who observe the fast maintain celibacy, rise early and make a Sankalp (pledge) to perform the fast sincerely. Couples wishing to conceive are advised to take a dip in the Radha Kund in Mathura during sunrise and pray to the Kushmanda form of Maa Durga while observing the day-long fast.

Only married women, including those without children but hoping to conceive, traditionally observe this fast, during which they avoid touching mud or sand​³​.

Puja (Prayer Ceremony):

Ahoi Mata Puja:

The best time to perform the Puja is during Sandhya time, just after sunset. During the Puja, Ahoi Mata is worshipped with all rituals, usually alongside other female members of the family. Women narrate the story of Ahoi Mata, and offerings are made, including seven grass shoots and Halwa to Sei, along with the regular Puja offerings.

Ahoi Ashtami is a beautiful blend of rituals and traditions aimed at invoking divine blessings for the prosperity and longevity of one’s children. Through a series of well-structured rituals, the day reverberates with chants and prayers rising to the heavens, seeking a life of fulfilment and well-being for the younger generation.

Ahoi ashtami ki aarti | Ahoi ashtami aarti in hindi

अहोई अष्टमी की आरती

जय अहोई माता जय अहोई माता ।
तुमको निसदिन ध्यावत हरी विष्णु धाता ।।

ब्रम्हाणी रुद्राणी कमला तू ही है जग दाता ।
जो कोई तुमको ध्यावत नित मंगल पाता ।।

तू ही है पाताल बसंती तू ही है सुख दाता ।
कर्म प्रभाव प्रकाशक जगनिधि से त्राता ।।

जिस घर थारो वास वही में गुण आता ।
कर न सके सोई कर ले मन नहीं घबराता ।।

तुम बिन सुख न होवे पुत्र न कोई पता ।
खान पान का वैभव तुम बिन नहीं आता ।।

शुभ गुण सुन्दर युक्ता क्षीर निधि जाता ।
रतन चतुर्दश तोंकू कोई नहीं पाता ।।

श्री अहोई माँ की आरती जो कोई गाता ।
उर उमंग अति उपजे पाप उतर जाता ।।