Karmandir 
Why it is celebrated
On Kartik Krishna Ashtami, mothers keep the Ahoi Mata fast for the well-being of their children. It comes four days after Karwa Chauth and about eight days before Diwali. In the evening, arghya is offered on seeing the stars (in some families, the moon) and the fast is broken.
The story
Long ago, a woman lived in a village with her seven sons. Before Diwali, she went to the forest to fetch clay to plaster her house. While digging, her spade by accident struck the den of a syahu (porcupine), and one of its babies died. The woman was very sad, but she told no one.
Some time later, sorrow fell on her home, and one by one her sons were lost to her. In her grief, she told the elder women of the village the whole truth about her mistake.
They said, “By speaking the truth you have already washed away half of your mistake. Now keep the Ahoi Mata fast on Kartik Krishna Ashtami, draw the syahu and her little ones, worship them and ask for forgiveness.”
The woman kept the fast with all her heart, and kept it every year. By Ahoi Mata's grace, her home was filled again with the laughter of her sons. Since then mothers keep this vrat, and they also remember its lesson: when we make a mistake, we should admit it, not hide it.
Puja vidhi
- Bathe in the morning and take a sankalp to fast for your children's well-being.
- Draw Ahoi Mata with the syahu and her little ones on the wall in red ochre (geru), or put up a printed picture.
- Place a kalash of water near the picture with a water-filled karwa on it.
- In the evening, offer roli, rice, milk and flowers, and listen to the Ahoi Mata katha.
- In many families, a small silver syahu (Ahoi) is worshipped and then worn on a thread.
- When the stars appear (or the moon, as per family custom), offer arghya with water from the karwa and break the fast.
Food
Puri, pua, halwa and gulgule; the puris and puas from the puja are given with respect to an elder woman of the family.
Wishes to send
Warm wishes on Ahoi Ashtami! May Ahoi Mata keep all children in her loving care.
WhatsAppA mother's fast, a prayer for her children. May your home always ring with their laughter.
WhatsAppA mother's prayer under the stars is the most beautiful prayer of all. Happy Ahoi Ashtami!
WhatsAppMay Ahoi Mata bless your children with good health, good values and a long life.
WhatsAppPranam to every mother whose every prayer holds her children. Ahoi Ashtami greetings!
WhatsAppMay a mother's love and Ahoi Mata's blessings always be with your family.
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