Overview
Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival observed about eight days before Diwali, on the Ashtami tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha. According to the Purnimant calendar followed in North India, it falls in the month of Kartik, while in the Amanta calendar followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra and several southern states, it occurs in the month of Ashvin. Only the name of the month differs between the two reckonings; the fast itself is observed on the same day across regions.
The day is dedicated to Mata Ahoi, also known as Goddess Ahoi, who is identified in tradition with Goddess Lakshmi. Mothers observe a fast and perform puja seeking the well-being and long life of their children. Because the observance falls on Ashtami Tithi, the festival is also popularly referred to as Ahoi Aathe.
The fast is traditionally kept from sunrise and concluded after sighting the stars in the evening, with prayers offered to Mata Ahoi. The puja is generally performed within the household, and the festival forms part of the cluster of observances leading up to Diwali in the Hindu calendar.