Like Jitiya fast, Ahoi Ashtami fast is also considered to be very important. This fast is observed every year on Ashtami of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. Women observe this fast to wish for long life and happy life of their children and some women also observe Ahoi Ashtami fast to wish for the happiness of their children. Due to the effect of this fast, children are blessed and women deprived of the happiness of children get the happiness of children. On this day, Ahoi Mata is worshipped, and Nirjala fast is observed throughout the day. Some women conclude the fast by seeing the star in the evening, while some women conclude the fast of Ahoi Ashtami by seeing the moon. The full benefits of Ahoi Ashtami fast are obtained only when this fast is observed with complete rules. There are some rules to observe this fast.
Rules of fasting
- The fast of Ahoi Ashtami is observed without drinking water. This fast is observed by married women for the birth of a child and by mothers for the protection of their children.
- Food grains and fruits are not consumed during this fast. Also, milk and milk products should not be consumed on this day.
- The fast of Ahoi Ashtami begins with the sunrise. The fast ends only after the stars appear at night. The fast ends by offering Arghya after seeing the stars. The fast ends only after offering Arghya to the stars.
- The worship of Ahoi Ashtami Vrat is done in the evening. For this, the picture of Ahoi Mata is installed.
- After this, 8 puris, 8 malpuas, milk and rice are offered to Ahoi Mata. Also, some grains of wheat should be kept in front of Mata during the puja. Also, on this day, you can do charity by wishing for the happiness and prosperity of your children. Also, you should not have negative feelings for anyone in your mind.
- In the evening, after worshipping Ahoi Ashtami Mata, gift clothes to your mother-in-law and take her blessings.
Method of fasting
- On the day of Ahoi Ashtami, wake up early in the morning, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- After this, take a pledge of fasting in front of Ahoi Mata.
- For worshipping Ahoi Mata at the place of worship, make her picture on the wall with red ochre and also make a picture of Sahi and his seven sons.
- If you cannot draw a picture then bring a readymade photo of Ahoi Mata from the market.
- Light a ghee lamp in front of Ahoi Mata and keep rice, radish, water chestnut etc. in a bowl for the puja.
- After performing the ritualistic worship, listen or narrate the fasting story of Ashtoi Ashtami.
- While performing puja on the morning of Ahoi Ashtami, water is kept in a pot and above it, water is kept in a bowl.
- In the evening, after worshipping Ahoi Mata as per the rituals, her story is heard.
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- In the evening, arghya is offered to the stars with the water from the pot along with rice.
- In Ahoi puja, a silver Ahoi is made which is called Syahu (Sahi).
- There is a tradition of worshipping Syahu with roli, Akshat, milk and rice.
Do not do these things on the day of fasting
On the day of Ahoi Ashtami, one should not do any work related to soil like gardening etc. Also, one should avoid using sharp objects like needles etc. on this day. Do not insult any elder on the day of Ahoi Ashtami fast and do not fight. Also keep in mind that while offering water to the stars, use a pot made of steel and not a pot made of copper. Doing all these tasks can break your fast.