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As Diwali preparations start across India, many families quietly observe a special tradition called Ahoi Ashtami. Unlike big celebrations, this day is simple and meaningful, marked by prayers, fasting, and devotion.Many mothers dedicate their time and energy on this day for the well-being of their children.Earlier, the fast was mostly for sons, but today it is observed for the health and happiness of all children, both daughters and sons.In 2025, Ahoi Ashtami will once again be a day of faith and devotion. Here’s a simple guide with the date, puja timing, star sighting, and moonrise details for those who want to observe the fast and know when to break it.Ahoi Ashtami 2025: When is it?According to the Drik Panchang, this year, Ahoi Ashtami will be on Monday, 13 October 2025. It falls just a few days afterKarwa Chauthand about a week before Diwali, making it an important and spiritually meaningful day in the festive month.Fasting for children’s well-being

The day starts before sunrise. Mothers who observe the fast wake up early, take a bath, and begin with a simple prayer. They then follow a strict fast, which in many homes means no food or water throughout the day.The fast is broken in the evening, but not at a set time. It is usually ended when the first stars appear in the sky, a moment women wait for with devotion and patience. In some homes, the fast continues until moonrise, but since the moon rises late on this day, most women prefer to break the fast after seeing the stars.Evening puja timeAccording to the Drik Panchang, in 2025, the Ahoi Ashtami puja is recommended to be performed between 5:53 PM and 7:08 PM IST.At home, a simple setup is made. An image or drawing of Ahoi Mata is placed on the wall or in the worship area. A thali is prepared with flowers, sweets, and fruits. The story of Ahoi Mata is usually read aloud or listened to with the family. The puja is short but meaningful, reflecting the true purpose of the day– praying for the health and happiness of children.Star rise timeThe fast is broken after seeing the stars in the evening sky. According to the Drik Panchang, in 2025, the stars are expected to appear around 6:17 PM IST.At this time, women offer water to the stars and then end their fast by having food and drink.

Note: The exact time when stars appear may vary slightly depending on your location. A city-wise chart of star rise times is provided below.Credits: (The Economic Times)City StarRise TimeDelhi 6:17 PM IST Mumbai 6:20 PM IST Gurgaon 6:20 PM IST Noida 6:20 PM IST Kolkata 6:08 PM ISTChennai 6:08 PM ISTBangalore 6:17 PM ISTHyderabad 6:17 PM ISTLucknow 6:17 PM ISTPatna 6:09 PM ISTJaipur 6:20 PM IST Bhopal 6:17 PM ISTUjjain 6:17 PM ISTIndore 6:17 PM ISTNagpur 6:17 PM ISTAhemdabad 6:20 PM IST Surat 6:20 PM IST Vadodara 6:20 PM IST Chandigarh 6:17 PM ISTDehradun 6:17 PM ISTShimla 6:17 PM ISTAmritsar 6:17 PM ISTVaranasi 6:10 PM ISTKanpur 6:12 PM ISTAgra 6:17 PM ISTGwalior 6:17 PM ISTRaipur 6:17 PM ISTBilaspur 6:10 PM ISTRanchi 6:10 PM ISTJamshedpur 6:10 PM ISTBhubaneswar 6:09 PM ISTCuttack 6:09 PM ISTPatiala 6:17 PM ISTLudhiana 6:17 PM ISTJalandhar 6:17 PM ISTSrinagar 6:17 PM ISTLeh 6:17 PM ISTImphal 6:17 PM ISTShillong 6:17 PM ISTGangtok 6:17 PM ISTItanagar 6:17 PM ISTAgartala 6:17 PM ISTAizawl 6:17 PM ISTKohima 6:05 PM ISTDimapur 6:05 PM ISTGuwahati 6:06 PM ISTDibrugarh 6:05 PM ISTTezpur 6:05 PM ISTSilchar 6:05 PM ISTJorhat 6:06 PM ISTTinsukia 6:06 PM ISTBongaigaon 6:17 PM ISTNagaon 6:17 PM ISTKarimganj 6:17 PM ISTBarpeta 6:17 PM ISTDhubri 6:17 PM ISTGoalpara 6:17 PM ISTHailakandi 6:17 PM ISTLakhimpur 6:17 PM ISTMoonrise timeThough less common, some people follow the tradition of breaking the fast after moonrise.This year, on Ahoi Ashtami, the moon is expected to rise around 11:20 PM IST, according to the Drik Panchang. Since this is quite late, most women prefer to end their fast after the stars appear in the sky.

Decorating for the pujaFamilies prepare for the Ahoi Ashtami puja in simple but meaningful ways. They often make rangoli designs around the puja thali to make it look beautiful and welcoming. Small lamps or diyas are placed for Ahoi Mata, bringing light and positivity to the home.Along with this, seasonal fruits and sweets, often special to the region, are offered as part of the prayers. These decorations and offerings make the puja more special and heartfelt.

Health benefits of fasting and prayerFasting and praying on Ahoi Ashtami can also help in small but important ways. Fasting encourages focus and self-discipline, while taking time for prayers and meditation brings calmness and mindfulness. These rituals can improve mental and emotional well-being, helping the mind and body feel refreshed and peaceful.