Episode Details

Date: Monday, 13 October 2025Puja Muhurat: 5:53 PM to 7:08 PM ISTStar Sighting (to break fast): Around 6:17 PM ISTMoonrise: Around 11:20 PM IST

What is Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by mothers for the well-being, long life, and prosperity of their children. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik, approximately a week before Diwali and a few days after Karwa Chauth.

The festival is marked by a day-long fast, evening puja, and rituals focused on the sighting of stars or the moon. It is a day that celebrates the devotion of mothers, the strength of family bonds, and the grace of the divine feminine energy represented by Ahoi Mata.

The Legend and Historical Significance

According to ancient belief, a mother of seven sons accidentally killed a lion cub while digging soil for her household chores. Soon after, her family faced misfortunes and the untimely deaths of her sons. Distraught, she prayed earnestly to Goddess Parvati, who appeared before her as Ahoi Mata. The goddess forgave her and restored the lives of her children.

Since then, women have observed the Ahoi Ashtami fast to seek Ahoi Mata’s blessings for their children’s health and protection. The word “Ahoi” means “that which prevents harm,” signifying the divine power that shields children from danger.

Spiritual Importance of Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami represents the ideals of devotion, sacrifice, and maternal love. The festival emphasizes:

* The value of prayer and penance for the welfare of loved ones

* The nurturing and protective role of mothers

* The unity and strength of the family

* The significance of purity, forgiveness, and faith

The day also marks the beginning of the Diwali season, when spiritual energy and positivity are believed to be at their peak.

Key Timings for Ahoi Ashtami 2025

The important timings for observing Ahoi Ashtami in 2025 are as follows:

* Ahoi Ashtami Date: Monday, 13 October 2025

* Ashtami Tithi Begins: 12:24 PM on 13 October 2025

* Ashtami Tithi Ends: 11:09 AM on 14 October 2025

* Puja Muhurat (Ahoi Mata Puja Time): 5:53 PM to 7:08 PM IST

* Star Sighting (for breaking the fast): Around 6:17 PM IST

* Moonrise Time: Around 11:20 PM IST

These timings are based on the Drik Panchang and may slightly vary depending on geographical location.

City-wise Star Rise Timings

The star sighting time to break the Ahoi Ashtami fast in 2025 will vary slightly across different parts of India, depending on geographical location and local visibility conditions. Below are the approximate timings for major regions:

* Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara: Around 6:20 PM IST

* Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Bhopal, Indore, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Amritsar, Raipur, and Ujjain: Around 6:17 PM IST

* Kolkata, Chennai, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack: Between 6:08 PM and 6:10 PM IST

* Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Gwalior: Between 6:10 PM and 6:17 PM IST

* Northeastern India (including Guwahati, Kohima, Dibrugarh, Imphal, Shillong, and nearby regions): Between 6:05 PM and 6:06 PM IST

Note: Exact timings may vary slightly depending on local visibility and atmospheric conditions.

Ahoi Ashtami Puja Vidhi (Worship Procedure)

Morning Rituals

* Devotees wake up before sunrise, bathe, and clean the prayer area.

* A clay or silver pot (Kalash) filled with water is place