Ahoi Ashtami Puja Samagri List Vrat Buy Online Home Delivery
Published September 29, 2022 · Last updated
Ahoi Ashtami is one of the most sacred festivals for mothers and women across India, celebrated to seek blessings for the health, happiness, and long life of children. If you are planning to observe this holy vrat this year, having the right puja samagri (ritual items) is essential for a meaningful and complete worship experience. This guide will help you understand everything about Ahoi Ashtami puja samagri, how to procure items online, and the correct procedure to perform the rituals.
What is Ahoi Ashtami?
Ahoi Ashtami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Kartik (October-November) on the Ashtami date of Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight). This vrat holds special importance for mothers and women who fast for the long life, good health, and prosperity of their children. According to Hindu traditions, Ahoi Mata (also known as Aho Mata) is the protective mother deity who blesses children with safety and well-being.
The festival is particularly observed in North India, especially in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. Women observe a complete day-long fast from sunrise to sunset, breaking it only after seeing the stars in the evening. Childless women also fast with the hope of being blessed with healthy children. Many women treat this vrat with the same devotion as Karva Chauth.
The ritual involves drawing or placing an image of Ahoi Mata along with the figure of Seh (a male protector figure) and seven sons on the wall or using a printed calendar. The worship follows a specific procedure that requires certain sacred items and ingredients.
Complete Ahoi Ashtami Puja Samagri List
Before you begin shopping for items online, it is important to know exactly what you need for the puja. Here is a comprehensive list of all essential items required for Ahoi Ashtami worship:
Sacred Items and Decorative Materials
- Ahoi Mata idol or image (murti)
- Printed Ahoi Ashtami calendar or image (available in markets and online)
- Red or yellow cloth for the prayer area
- Garland (fresh flowers or artificial)
- Oil lamp (diya) and ghee for lighting
- Incense sticks (agarbatti) and incense cones (dhoop)
- Kalava (sacred thread) in red and yellow colors
Puja Materials
- Puja roli (vermilion powder)
- Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
- Dub (grass used in Hindu rituals)
- Tilak materials
- Camphor (kapoor)
- Water urn or pitcher (karva)
- Bell for worship
Food Items for Offering and Breaking the Fast
- Wheat grains (for holding during the story recitation)
- Milk and ghee
- Rice (regular and for kheer)
- Jaggery or sugar
- Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins)
- Flour for puris and sweet preparations
- Fruits (apple, banana, or as per availability)
- Water chestnuts (singhade)
- Radish (if following sattvic diet rules)
- Milk products (curd, paneer if permitted)
- Fourteen puris and eight puas (traditional fried bread items)
Buying Ahoi Ashtami Puja Samagri Online
Where to Buy Online
Many online platforms now offer complete Ahoi Ashtami puja kits and individual items with home delivery options. Major e-commerce websites, dedicated puja supply stores, and regional online grocers deliver these items. When shopping online, look for sellers who offer pre-assembled puja kits specifically labeled for Ahoi Ashtami, as this saves time and ensures you don’t miss any essential item.
Tips for Online Shopping
- Order at least 7-10 days before the festival date to ensure timely delivery
- Read product descriptions carefully to understand what is included in each kit
- Check customer reviews and ratings before purchasing
- Verify that perishable items like milk, ghee, and fruits have proper packaging
- Compare prices across multiple platforms to get the best value
- Opt for home delivery if available to save time and effort
- Keep a backup list of local shops in case online delivery is delayed
Cost Considerations
The cost of Ahoi Ashtami puja samagri varies depending on the quality and completeness of the kit. A basic puja kit typically ranges from budget-friendly to moderate prices, while premium kits with high-quality items and premium packaging cost more. You can also buy items individually based on your budget and specific requirements. Please verify current pricing with online retailers as costs may vary.
Step-by-Step Puja Procedure
Preparation
Begin your day before sunrise on Ahoi Ashtami. Take a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably traditional attire. Choose a clean, quiet space in your home for worship. Many women prefer to set up the puja area on the wall where they can draw or display the image of Ahoi Mata with Seh and the seven sons.
Drawing the Image or Setting Up
If you are artistically inclined, draw an image of Ahoi Mata, Seh (protector), and seven sons on the wall using colored powder or clay. Alternatively, place a printed calendar or purchased image in your puja area. This can be done on a cloth mat or wooden board placed against the wall.
Worship Steps
- Fill a water pitcher (karva) with water and place it near the image
- Light the oil lamp in front of Ahoi Mata
- Burn incense sticks for purification
- Apply roli (vermilion) on the image as a mark of respect
- Offer akshat (unbroken rice) on the image
- Prepare sweet offerings like kheer, pua, or halwa using the ingredients from your puja samagri list
- Hold seven wheat grains in your hand and listen to or recite the story of Ahoi Mata with full devotion
- Ring the bell to mark the completion of the main prayer
Breaking the Fast
After sunset, when stars become visible in the sky, offer water (arghya) to the stars while holding the water pitcher. Then consume the blessed food offerings and break your fast with fruits, milk, and the prepared sattvic food items. Share the blessed food with family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy all puja samagri items from a single online store?
Yes, many online platforms and e-commerce websites offer complete Ahoi Ashtami puja kits that include all necessary items. However, if some items are unavailable, you may need to purchase from multiple sellers. Pre-assembled kits are convenient and often more cost-effective than buying items individually.
What if I cannot find an Ahoi Ashtami calendar online?
If printed calendars are not available online in time, you can draw the image yourself or purchase a printed version from local temple shops, religious stores, or street vendors near temples. Many devotees simply create the image using natural colors like turmeric and vermilion on the wall.
Are there any restrictions on fasting for Ahoi Ashtami?
While the traditional practice involves complete fasting, some women follow a partial fast consuming only milk and sattvic food items. Pregnant women, very young mothers, and those with health conditions should consult their doctor or a spiritual guide before fasting.
Can men also observe the Ahoi Ashtami vrat?
While Ahoi Ashtami is traditionally observed by mothers and women, male family members can participate in the worship and support the observance of this sacred festival. The blessings are sought primarily for children’s welfare.
How far in advance should I order puja samagri online?
It is advisable to order at least 7-10 days before Ahoi Ashtami to ensure all items are delivered on time. During festival seasons, online platforms experience high demand, so early ordering is recommended to avoid last-minute unavailability or delayed deliveries.
What makes a puja samagri kit complete?
A complete kit should include the Ahoi Mata image, all ritual items like roli, akshat, kalava, lamp, incense, and basic food ingredients needed for worship. Premium kits may also include ready-made offerings, dry fruits, and detailed instruction manuals.
Nearby Attractions and Temple Visits
If you are planning to visit temples dedicated to Ahoi Mata or other mother goddess forms during this festival, consider visiting nearby temples in your region. Many devotees combine their home worship with temple visits to seek additional blessings. If you are visiting South India, you may also explore the sacred temples of Tirumala and Tirupati, where many festivals are celebrated with great devotion.
Conclusion
Ahoi Ashtami is a beautiful festival that celebrates motherhood and the protection of children through sacred rituals and fasting. With the convenience of online shopping, gathering all necessary puja samagri has become easier and more accessible. By ordering your items in advance from reliable online sources and following the correct puja procedure, you can ensure a meaningful and complete worship experience. Whether you are a first-time observer or a longtime devotee, this guide will help you prepare well for this auspicious festival and seek blessings for your children’s well-being and happiness.
