Mumbai: Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to mothers who fast and pray for their children’s well-being and long life. It is particularly observed by mothers of sons but is increasingly celebrated for the welfare of all children. The festival occurs during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in Kartik, typically eight days before Diwali and four days after Karwa Chauth.
Mothers observe a day-long fast, broken only after sighting the stars in the evening. Ahoi Mata, the Goddess associated with the festival, is worshipped with great devotion. Her image or a traditional Ahoi drawing is made on the wall and offerings like fruits, grains, and sweets are placed before her. In the evening, after offering prayers and water to the stars, mothers break their fast.
A special plate (thali) is prepared with items like wheat, grains, and sweets for the puja. Ahoi Ashtami is observed for the well-being, prosperity, and long life of children. It’s a time for mothers to show gratitude and seek blessings for their family’s happiness.
1. Ahoi Mata Rangoli:
- Focus: Create a central motif of Ahoi Mata’s image or symbolic depiction.
- Design: Use simple geometric shapes to represent Ahoi Mata, surrounded by a decorative floral border.
- Colours: Use traditional colours like red, yellow, and white, symbolising auspiciousness.
Watch this video tutorial and start creating rangoli along with it:
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2. Star-Themed Rangoli:
- Focus: Stars are integral to Ahoi Ashtami rituals as the fast is broken after stars sighting.
- Design: Create a rangoli with a large central star, embellished with smaller star patterns around it. You can add small diya designs to give it a festive touch.
- Colours: Use bright colours like orange, yellow, blue, and purple for a vibrant look.
3. Kalash and Lotus Design:
- Focus: The kalash and lotus flowers are often used in festivals for their spiritual significance.
- Design: Place a kalash at the centre, surrounded by lotus petals and traditional motifs. Include tiny diyas or star patterns to link it with the festival.
- Colours: Use earthy tones for the kalash and vibrant pink, red, and white for the lotus and accents.
4. Peacock Motif with Stars:
- Focus: A peacock is a common rangoli design that signifies beauty and auspiciousness.
- Design: Create a peacock in the centre with an elaborate tail spread across the rangoli. Decorate it with small stars or floral designs to tie it into the theme of Ahoi Ashtami.
- Colours: Use royal blues, greens, and gold to make the peacock vibrant, and stars in contrasting colors like white and yellow.
5. Geometric Rangoli with Star and Diya Elements:
- Focus: Incorporate both stars and diyas in a symmetrical pattern.
- Design: Start with a large circular or diamond-shaped design in the center, and extend with stars and diyas along the edges. You can add intricate dots and lines for details.
- Colours: Bright and contrasting shades of red, yellow, blue, and green will make this rangoli pop.
For more ideas, take a cue from these video tutorials for rangoli designs for Ahoi Ashtami festival:
https://www
These rangoli designs can be created with coloured powders, flower petals, or a mix of both to make your Ahoi Ashtami celebrations vibrant and beautiful.
With these easy-to-follow video tutorials, you can bring a touch of tradition and beauty to your celebrations, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your loved ones.