Fast for children

Ahoi Ashtami 2026

Sunday, 1 November 2026

Ahoi Ashtami is on Sunday 1 November 2026, four days after Karwa Chauth. Mothers fast from sunrise until the stars appear and worship Ahoi Mata for their children.

Ahoi Ashtami (Ahoi Aathe) falls on Krishna Paksha Ashtami in the month of Kartik, about eight days before Diwali and four days after Karwa Chauth. Mothers keep a fast from sunrise until the stars are seen, praying for the long life and well-being of their children. It is observed mainly in North India.

In 2026 the Ashtami tithi begins at about 2:52 PM on Sunday 1 November and ends at about 1:11 PM on Monday 2 November (Delhi), so the evening puja at twilight is on 1 November. Some families end the fast after seeing the stars, and others wait for moonrise, so follow your own family custom.

Rituals

A day-long fast from sunrise, with or without water according to custom.
Drawing or placing an image of Ahoi Mata, traditionally with her cubs (syahu), on a wall or a cloth.
Evening puja with the Ahoi Ashtami katha, a lamp, water and simple offerings.
Offering water (arghya) to the stars, then breaking the fast.

Do

Keep the puja items and the katha ready before sunset.
Pray together with the children if possible, and bless them before the fast is broken.

Avoid

By custom, avoid digging the soil or using sharp tools on the day, in memory of the katha.
Avoid eating before the puja if you are keeping the full fast; follow your own tradition if it differs.

Frequently asked questions

When is Ahoi Ashtami 2026?

Sunday 1 November 2026. The Ashtami tithi runs from about 2:52 PM on 1 November to about 1:11 PM on 2 November (Delhi).

Who keeps the Ahoi Ashtami fast?

Traditionally mothers, for the well-being of their children. Some families also include daughters, and some observe it for those who are expecting a child.

When is the fast broken?

After the evening puja, once the stars are seen. In some families the fast is broken only after moonrise, which comes much later, so follow your own custom.

How is it related to Karwa Chauth?

Both are Kartik Krishna Paksha fasts. Ahoi Ashtami comes four days after Karwa Chauth, and Diwali follows about a week later.

Festival dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar (tithi) and can differ by a day between regions and panchangs. Times are computed for each city from NASA JPL planetary data. Confirm with your local temple or priest for religious observances.

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Ahoi Ashtami 2026

Rituals

Do

Avoid

Frequently asked questions

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