❀ On this day, the mother wakes and takes a bath in the early morning before the sunrise for the puja preparations. A picture of Ahoi Mata is drawn with the red ink on the house wall. A container of water made up of mud ( Kora Karawa) is also kept near the image. The names of depicted all seven sons and moon/sun are drawn in the wall of the house.
❀
In Western Uttar Pradesh, mothers string two beads (pearls) every year in a silver rosary of Ahoi Mata, thus women define the age of their children according to Ahoi Mata.
❀ The fast of Ahoi Aathe is mainly observed for the welfare and long life of the child at home. A mother observes Nirjala* fast the whole day. In the evening, Mata Ahoi is worshiped by offering fruits and sweet dishes. When a star is visible in the sky, then pure water from the Karve is offered to it. Mothers end their fast by drinking water from their child's hand.
❀ Thus, Ahoi Ashtami is not as popular as
Karwa Chauth but truly defines the power and love of the mother for their children.
* Fasting without consuming water and food is called Nirjala.