Ahoi Ashtami 2026 Date: Is it on November 1 or 2? Check correct fasting date, shubh muhurat, puja timings and star sighting time

Ahoi Ashtami is a very significant day for Hindus. On this day mothers keep fast for their children's well being, long life and health. Many people may have confusion regarding the date for when the fast is observed. On this day Ahoi Mata is worshipped.

When Is Ahoi Ashtami 2026?

Ahoi Ashtami will be observed on Sunday, November 1, 2026. On this day, mothers observe a fast and offer prayers for the long life, good health and well-being of their children.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Ashtami Tithi will begin at 2:51 PM on November 1 and continue until 1:10 PM on November 2, 2026. Since the festival is observed according to the prevailing tithi at sunrise, the Ahoi Ashtami fast will be observed on November 1.

Ahoi Ashtami 2026: Puja Muhurat And Timings

Here are the important timings for Ahoi Ashtami 2026:

• Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat: 5:35 PM to 6:54 PM
• Star Sighting Time: Around 6:00 PM
• Moonrise Time: Around 11:05 PM
• Ashtami Tithi Begins: 2:51 PM on November 1, 2026
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: 1:10 PM on November 2, 2026

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat: Fasting Rituals

Early morning preparations: Women wake up early, take a bath and make a resolution (Sankalp) to observe the Ahoi Ashtami fast for their children's well-being.

Day-long fasting: Many women observe a strict fast without consuming food or water, while others follow a partial fast according to family traditions.

Ahoi Mata Puja: In the evening, devotees worship Goddess Ahoi Mata. An image or calendar depicting the goddess is placed at the puja area.

Offering prayers: Women offer flowers, fruits, sweets and other traditional offerings to the goddess and recite the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha.

Star sighting: The fast is traditionally concluded after women offer prayers to the stars in the evening.

Breaking the fast: After completing the puja and offering prayers, women break their fast according to their family customs.

How Is Ahoi Ashtami Celebrated?

Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated with devotion and traditional rituals. Women begin preparations early in the morning and clean their homes and puja areas before starting the fast.

Some of the common traditions followed on this day include:

Drawing Ahoi Mata's image: Women traditionally draw or place an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall or near the puja area. The image may also feature symbols associated with the festival.

Preparing the puja thali: A puja plate is arranged with flowers, fruits, sweets, roli, rice and other items required for worship.

Reciting the vrat katha: Women gather in the evening to listen to or recite the traditional Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha.

Offering prayers to the stars: In many families, women offer water to the stars after sunset and pray for their children's long life and happiness.

Preparing traditional food: Special sweets and festive dishes are prepared in several households, which are offered during the puja and shared with family members.