A devoted liturgical guide for mothers observing the strict waterless Ahoi Ashtami Vrat for the long life, health, and academic success of their children, including drawing the 8-cornered Ahoi Mata mural, stringing the sacred silver Syau Mala, and offering Arghya to the stars at twilight.
Clean the north or east wall of the puja room. Using red geru and ground rice paste (or place a printed consecrated poster), draw the 8-cornered (Ashtakona) image of Ahoi Mata along with the Sun, Moon, seven sons, and the porcupine (Syahu) with her cubs.
Place the sacred silver Syahu locket and silver beads strung on red thread on the pooja chowki. Each year on Ahoi Ashtami, mothers add two new silver beads to this heirloom necklace for each child. Anoint the necklace with red roli, akshat, and fragrant flowers.
Fill a clay or brass Karwa with pure water and place a clay lid on it filled with whole wheat grains. Place raw radishes with leaves and 8 or 16 sweet fried pua/gulgule as bhog. Light the pure ghee lamp before Ahoi Mata.
Sit reverently before the mural holding seven wheat grains in your right fist. Listen to the sacred tale of the repentant mother, Syahu Mata's grief, and Ahoi Mata's supreme deliverance. Upon conclusion, place the grains into your Karwa lid.
Step outdoors after sunset to gaze upon the first evening stars (unlike Karwa Chauth which awaits the moon, Ahoi Ashtami awaits the stars). Holding the water-pot and a handful of wheat grains, offer Arghya to the twinkling stars in the sky. Pray for your children's radiant future and break your fast with water and sweet prasad.
