Jitiya Festival – A Mother’s Prayer for Her Children’s Long Life

Jitiya (also known as Jivitputrika Vrat or Jiutiya) is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated with immense devotion by mothers in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal region) and in parts of Nepal. This vrat is observed to seek blessings for the long life, prosperity, and well-being of children.

📅 When is Jitiya Celebrated?

The Jitiya festival falls in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of the month of Ashwin (September–October). The main day of fasting is observed on the Ashtami Tithi.

• Day 1 – Nahai-Khai (नहाय-खाय): Women take a holy bath and eat only once a day after preparing simple vegetarian food.

• Day 2 – Jitiya Vrat / Kharna (उपवास): A rigorous fast without food and water (nirjala) is observed.

• Day 3 – Paran (पारण): The vrat is broken the next day with rituals after sunrise, once the puja is complete.

🙏 Rituals of Jitiya Vrat

The Jitiya vrat is marked by discipline, devotion, and sacrifice. Key rituals include:

• Morning Bath (Snan): Women wake up early, take a bath in rivers, ponds, or sacred water sources.

• Puja: They worship Lord Jimutavahana (जीमूतवाहन), known for his sacrifice to save a child from Garuda (vulture).

• Offerings: Fruits, flowers, and sacred food items are offered during the puja.

• Songs & Katha: Women gather to sing traditional Jitiya songs and narrate the Jivitputrika Katha (story of Jimutavahana).

• Strict Fasting: The second day is observed with absolute devotion, without eating or drinking.

🌸 Significance of Jitiya

Jitiya is considered one of the toughest fasts, but it symbolizes the unconditional love of a mother for her children.

• Brings health, wealth, and longevity to children.

• Protects them from misfortune and evil influences.

• Strengthens the bond between mother and child.

In many regions, Jitiya is given as much importance as Karva Chauth in North India, but it has a deeper cultural and folk connection in eastern India and Nepal.

🎶 Cultural Importance

Jitiya is not just a fast, but a community celebration.

• Women gather in groups, apply traditional alta (red dye) on feet, and sing folk songs.

• The songs are often in Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi dialects.

• Stories of Jimutavahana and mothers’ devotion are passed down generations through oral traditions.

• In Mithila and Terai regions of Nepal, it is called Jiutiya and celebrated with equal enthusiasm.

The Legend of Jitiya

The vrat is rooted in the story of Jimutavahana, a noble prince who sacrificed his own life to save the son of a poor woman from being eaten by Garuda (the celestial vulture). Impressed by his selflessness, Garuda spared the child and blessed humanity.

• This legend emphasizes sacrifice, protection, and motherly love, which are central to Jitiya.

🌼 Conclusion

The Jitiya festival beautifully portrays the essence of motherhood, sacrifice, and devotion. It is not only a religious observance but also a cultural celebration where women come together, pray for their children, and strengthen social bonds.
For mothers, this vrat is a way of expressing unconditional love, and for society, it is a reminder of the selfless strength of motherhood.