In Bihar and UP, mothers celebrate Jitiya to seek blessings for their children’s long life and happiness. Learn about the rituals and auspicious timings during this 3-day festival. Jitiya or Jivitputrika Vrat is a 3-day fasting observed by Hindu women in the month of Ashwin as per the Hindu lunar calendar. This festival is trendy in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Married women with children fast for 24 hours (Mirjana fast) on this day to pray for their children’s well-being. They abstain from food and water all day and break their fast on the third day with cucumber and rice flour porridge. Noni saag and Madua roti are also part of the festivities after being offered to the Gods. Jitiya involves the worship of Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Lord Surya. People dress in traditional attire and participate in cultural events on this occasion.
When is Jitiya Jivitputrika Vrat?
People will celebrate the Jitiya Jivitputrika Vrat festival from October 06 to October 08 this year, observing distinct rituals and traditions on each festival day.
Significance of Jitiya Vrat
Mothers primarily observe Jitiya Vrat for the well-being, good health, and long life of their children, especially sons. “Jitiya” derives from “Jivit,” signifying life. Mothers pray for their offspring’s continued prosperity and happiness during this observance.
Subh Muhurat timings for the Jitiya Jivitputrika Vrat:
- Ashtami Tithi starts at 6:34 a.m. on October 06, 2023.
- Ashtami Tithi concludes at 8:08 am on October 07, 2023.
Three days of Jitiya celebration
Jitiya is a three-day celebration. On the initial day, fasting women bathe in a river, perform puja, and partake in satvik food. The second day, the central fasting day, is observed without any food or water. The concluding day involves a bath and the conclusion of fasting, following the auspicious muhurat.
Here’s a breakdown of the three days of the Jitiya Jivitputrika Vrat:
Day 1 | Nahai-Khai:
- On this day, those observing the fast begin by bathing, preferably in a natural water source.
- After the bath, they consume satvik food prepared with ghee, and instead of regular salt, they sprinkle pink salt on it.
Day 2 | Khur-Jitiya or Jiviputrika Day:
- The festival’s second day involves a rigorous 24-hour fast for women, during which they abstain from food and water.
- The fast is concluded only on the following day, as per Muhurat.
Day 3 | Parana:
- On the third day of the fast, mothers conclude their vrat.
- Many choose to break the fast by consuming cucumber and milk.
- Following this, they enjoy a traditional meal consisting of rice, noni saag, and made roti.
