#festivalsandpuja
India is a land of festivals. It is hard to find a day in our calenders when some or the other part of our country is not celebrating something.
Diwali is around the corner, and in and around Diwali some other festivals are also celebrated. Karvachauth has been celebrated last weekend, and today is Ahoi Ashtami. A festival which is celebrated almost a week before Diwali (usually four days after karvachauth) mostly in northern India. It is celebrated on the Ashtami of kartik maas. A mythological tale is said to have started this tradition. On this day women folk observe a fast for good health and well being of their children. People who want a child also pray for a healthy progeny.

I have beautiful childhood memories associated with this festival as it was celebrated at my parental home. Every family has little variations of how they celebrate this festival and the rituals they follow but in general, Ahoi mata is worshiped. Its a day specially celebrated for kids at home.

On this day, during evening time, Pooja preparations are done. A picture of Ahoi mata is fixed usually in a clean area of the home. In my home it was done in the kitchen. Then Diya, dhoop, fruits, sweets, water, roli, kumkum etc is kept. A special thing done is to keep radish in the Pooja thaal, which they say is very essential part of the Pooja.

Thereafter, a list of names of all the family members is made. Also, specially names of all kids are written and also a space is specifically kept for an unborn kid, so that Ahoi Ma keeps blessing the family with children forever. Also even space is kept for a child who is in the womb of an expecting lady in the family.

Special food is prepared. Mathri, Chana daal khichdi, aatey ka halwa and small poori sized chapatis are prepared. They are called tagadiya..

Now for the most exciting part, the Pooja. All the kids in the family are asked to make a line and come in order from the eldest to the youngest. Elder ladies are in the kitchen and door is kept shut.

First the eldest child knocks the door and his or her name is called. Then he or she comes in the Pooja area and prays to Ahoi Ma. All elders bless the child and a Prasad of rotis, khichdi and halwa is given. A small amount of shagun is also given. Now the child leaves and closes the door. This ritual continues again with second child and so on.

When all children get Prasad, they eat it together. All elders bless them once again.

Thus, this marks the end of this wonderful tradition. Sadly it's not celebrated at my in laws home and I can't do it for my child but I always make sure to tell her as to how it was celebrated when I was a child. This way at least she knows the festival and can connect with the traditions. I also bless her, which being a mother I can always do.

So, this Ahoi Ashtami, my prayer to Ahoi Ma is to bless our babychakra unborn babies, infants, toddlers and elder kids with good health and happiness forever. May Ahoi mata give them a long life full of good health, happiness and success in everything they do.

Happy Ahoi Ashtami!!