This fast is mainly observed by women of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Jivitputrika Vrat, also known as Jitiya, is a crucial fasting ceremony practised by women in order to ensure their children’s life, success, and health. It is regarded as one of the more difficult fasts since participants abstain from food and drink, resulting in a Nirjala Vrat (waterless fast). This fast is mainly observed by women of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and this year it will be celebrated on September 25. There are special traditions to celebrate it, which include eating madua roti and fish. According to Pandit Manotpal Jha, the Jitiya fast begins by eating madua and fish, which shows the unique belief of this fast. During this fast, mothers worship Chilho Siyar and pray for the well-being of their children.
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Pandit Manotpal Jha also explains that in Hinduism, non-vegetarian food is generally considered taboo, but Jitiya fast begins with fish and madua roti. There is a mythological story behind this. In earlier times, madua was widely grown and fish were also easily available during the rainy season. That’s why the said choice of meal during the fast.
Jitiya Vrat Timing:
This year, for Jitiya fast, the devotee has to take a bath and eat food on September 24 and then keep Nirjala fast on September 25. Parana can be done on the next day, that is, on September 26 after 5:05 am. Devotees can break their fast at any time after sunrise. Before the Paran, devotees perform rituals and worship the deity Jimutvahan Devta at home following their bath. Traditional dishes for the Paran often include Noni Saag, Torai ki Sabzi, Ragi Roti, and Arbi.
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Traditional cuisine:
In the Mithila region of Bihar, there is a tradition of eating rooti made of madua flour, and jivani ki sabzi during this fast. Women also offer prasad in the name of Jimutvahan in this fast and pray for the long lives of their sons.
According to the Panchang, the Jitiya fast is traditionally held on the Ashtami tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.The fast begins with the Nahay-Khay ritual, followed by the Paran ceremony. Both Nahay-Khay and Paran hold particular importance during the Jitiya Vrat.
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According to experts, this year’s Jivitputrika Vrat will commence on September 24, 2024, and conclude on September 26, 2024. The Ashtami tithi will begin at 12:38 PM on September 24 and end at 12:10 PM on September 25. According to the Udayatithi, the fast will officially start on September 24.
