CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Greets Rajasthan on Ahoi Ashtami

Key Takeaways

Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma posted Ahoi Ashtami greetings on 1 November 2026 .

Ahoi Ashtami falls in the Kartik month, eight days before Diwali, and is observed by mothers fasting for their children's well-being.

The CM invoked the grace of Mata Ahoi and wished all children longevity, glory and success.

The festival is widely observed across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and neighbouring states.

Sharma, who took office in December 2023 , regularly marks major Hindu festivals through public outreach.

As the festive calendar counts down to Diwali, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma extended warm greetings on Ahoi Ashtami — a day when mothers across northern India fast and pray for the long life and well-being of their children.

In a post on Sunday, 1 November 2026, the Chief Minister wrote: 'Santaan ke sudeergha jeevan, uttam swasthya evam mangalmay bhavishy ke liye maataon ke atoot vishwas, tyaag aur samarpan ke paavan vrat — Ahoi Ashtami' — ('the sacred fast of Ahoi Ashtami, a testament to mothers' unshakeable faith, sacrifice and devotion for their children's long life, good health and auspicious future'). He wished all mothers and residents of Rajasthan blessings of longevity, glory and success for their children through the grace of Mata Ahoi.

What Ahoi Ashtami means and who observes it

Ahoi Ashtami falls in the Kartik month of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically eight days before Diwali. Mothers observe a day-long fast — often without water — and break it only after sighting stars or the moon in the evening, following prayers to Goddess Ahoi. The ritual is a deeply held expression of maternal devotion, particularly widespread across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and parts of Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

CM Sharma's message in the festive season

For Chief Ministers across India's major states, festival greetings form a routine but meaningful thread of public engagement — connecting elected leadership to the cultural rhythms of their electorate. Bhajan Lal Sharma, who assumed office in December 2023 as Rajasthan's BJP Chief Minister, has been visible on the festive calendar throughout his tenure. His Ahoi Ashtami message frames the occasion in its traditional spirit — maternal sacrifice and the collective prayer for a child's bright future — and extends it to all pradeshvaasi (residents of the state).

With Diwali now days away, the festive arc across Rajasthan's cities and villages is fully underway.

Point of View

But the timing and framing still carry signal. Bhajan Lal Sharma's Ahoi Ashtami post — centred entirely on maternal devotion and children's welfare — speaks to a core BJP voter segment of Hindu households in the Kartik festive window. With Diwali approaching, the festive outreach season is at its most intensive, and each message reinforces cultural alignment without making any specific policy claim. It is routine, yet deliberate.

NationPress

1 Nov 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ahoi Ashtami?

Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival observed by mothers who fast and pray to Goddess Ahoi for the long life, health and prosperity of their children. It falls eight days before Diwali in the Kartik month.

When is Ahoi Ashtami in 2026?

In 2026, Ahoi Ashtami falls on 1 November , eight days before Diwali, as part of the Kartik festive calendar.

Who is Bhajan Lal Sharma?

Bhajan Lal Sharma is the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, representing the BJP. He assumed office in December 2023 .

Which states celebrate Ahoi Ashtami?

Ahoi Ashtami is predominantly celebrated in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and parts of Madhya Pradesh by Hindu mothers.

What do mothers do on Ahoi Ashtami?

Mothers observe a strict fast, often without water, and break it after sighting stars or the moon in the evening, following prayers and rituals dedicated to Goddess Ahoi .