According to ancient beliefs, mothers observe this fast for the well being and prosperity of their children. It is mostly celebrated in states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
The Indian culture is replete with a myriad of traditions and cultures. Every state, village, and community have their own set of rituals and festivals to celebrate. One of them is Jivitputrika Vrat or Jitiya Vrat. In many states of the country like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand along with neighbouring country Nepal, jivitputrika is celebrated with several rituals and traditions. It’s an ancient Hindu festival that is celebrated over three days during the seventh to ninth lunar day of Krishna-Paksha in Ashvin month.
All About Jitiya Vrat
According to Hindu dharam, there are a lot of festivals that have its own value and story. In sanatan dharam there are so many beliefs regarding rules of worship that are linked with Hindu mythology.
There are 33 koti devas who are worshipped, lord Jimat Vahan is one of them. He is known as God of longevity and lineage. According to traditions, people strongly believe, if married women follow proper ritual and worship the lord from the bottom of their heart for having children, then they will be blessed with kids.
Jitiya Vrat: Date, Time and Rituals
According to the Drik Panchang of 2024, Ashtami date of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month will start on 24 September at 12:38 pm and end at 12:10 pm on 25 September. Vrat pooja will start at 04.43 pm and end at 06.14 pm.
This festival is as difficult as chhath puja. On the first day of this fast, women have to take a bath before sunrise and then they observe a nirjal vrat, i.e. a fast without eating or even drinking water.
All the preparation for rituals are performed only after taking bath. Women clean the place of worship by coating it with cow dung during Pradosh Kaal. Now the idol of Jimat Vahan made of Kusha is placed in the area where the cow dung is coated. It is worshipped with incense, lamp, rice, roli and flowers etc. and panch fal, which mean 5 different types of fruits. After worshipping the idol with all customs, in the evening, jitiya katha (story) is read by women.
And the next morning, the parana (a practice of removing cloth from the pooja dal that is covered on the first day of vrat) is done by the son of the house.
The festival is based on the story of King Jimat Vahan, who showed kindness and selflessness towards a snake family. Jitiya Vrat is an auspicious festival which is celebrated by all mothers. They observe fast for the well being and prosperity of their children.
