Ahoi or Hoi Mata (known as Sanjhi in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) is a Hindu
goddess whose domain is the family.
She is seen as an aspect of the female Shakti
energy and primarily worshipped by females. She most often appears on the walls
of rural homes where her image will be painted during different festivals.
A story is told of a mother of seven sons who went to the forest to bring soil for the renovation of her home. In the process, she dropped her axe and hurt a lion cub. The cub was killed, and even as she felt the guilt of the accident, she continued in her task of gathering soil. Over the next year, her seven sons died, and she came to believe that it was because of the death of the cub. She finally confessed what had happen to a neighbor, who informed her that by confessing her act, she had almost negated the effect of it. The neighbor suggested that she also pray to the goddess Ahoi Mata. Following the suggestion, the woman fasted on the ashtami (eighth day) of the waxing moon in the month of Kartika, and eventually her seven sons were returned to her.
Women observing Ahoi Ashtami rise before sunrise and first go to the local temple for prayers. She will then fast all day until the Moon appears. During the day, she will place a bowl of water before the picture of Ahoi Mata. She wraps a red thread around the bowl and smears the edges. Women will gather and an elderly lady will read out the story of Ahoi Mata to those assembled.
Offerings are made to the goddess—money, some sweets—and later in the day, the offering will be given to the children or the elderly.
References
“Ahoi Ashtami 2010.” Hindu Blog.
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