Ahoi Ashtami is a cherished festival that highlights the boundless love, devotion, and blessings that mothers offer for the well-being and longevity of their children. At Bragnam, we honor this beautiful tradition and encourage all our playschool franchise partners to embrace its timeless values within their learning communities.

What is Ahoi Ashtami?

Celebrated across North India, Ahoi Ashtami falls on the eighth day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) in the Kartik month, approximately eight days before Diwali. On this auspicious day, mothers observe a fast from sunrise until the first sighting of the evening stars, offering prayers to Mata Ahoi for their children’s health, happiness, and success.

The Significance Behind the Festival

The legend of Ahoi Ashtami traces back to a devoted mother who, after accidentally harming a young animal, lost her seven sons but regained them after praying sincerely to Mata Ahoi. Since then, this festival symbolizes repentance, forgiveness, and the unshakable bond of love between mothers and their children.

Rituals and Traditions

• On Ahoi Ashtami, mothers clean the puja area and draw an image of Goddess Ahoi, often adorned with red clay, representing the festival’s traditions.

• The main puja involves offering rice, roli, milk, and various sweets, followed by reciting the vrat katha (story) of Ahoi Mata.

• The fast is broken after sighting the stars; water, fruits, and sweets are first offered as prasad.

• An interesting ritual seen in many homes is the worship and tying of the “Syahu Mala,” a silver locket worn for five days, believed to bestow longevity on children.

How Bragnam Playschools Can Celebrate

At Bragnam, we believe in blending cultural heritage with early childhood education. Celebrating Ahoi Ashtami offers a unique way to familiarize young children with the warmth of Indian traditions. Here are some enriching ideas for franchise centers:

• Facilitate story-telling sessions about the festival’s origin and the significance of honoring mothers.

• Encourage children to create art projects like drawing stars, moons, or simple Ahoi Mata pictures.

• Organize group prayers or bhajan/singing sessions with teachers and children.

• Share simple sweets or fruits as prasad to make the experience memorable for little ones—always keeping allergies and dietary needs in mind.

Wishing Our Bragnam Family

Bragnam extends heartfelt wishes to all our franchise partners, teachers, parents, and children on Ahoi Ashtami. May this festival inspire devotion, nurture family bonds, and bless every child with good health and happiness.

Let us continue to cherish our diverse traditions while imparting values of empathy, gratitude, and cultural awareness to the next generation. Happy Ahoi Ashtami from everyone at Bragnam!