Devotees will observe the Nirjala fast on September 25.
This fast is mainly observed by women in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The Jivitputrika Vrat, also known as Jitiya, is a crucial fasting ceremony that is practiced by women to ensure the life, success, and health of their children. It is considered to be one of the most difficult fasts as participants abstain from food and drink, resulting in a Nirjala Vrat (waterless fast). This fast is mainly observed by women in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and this year it will be celebrated on September 25. There are special traditions to celebrate it, which include eating roti of madua and fish. According to Pandit Manotpal Jha, the Jitiya fast begins with 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.
Pandit Manotpal Jha also explains that in Hinduism, non-vegetarian food is generally considered taboo, but the Jitiya fast begins with fish and madua roti. There is a mythological story behind this. In earlier times, madua was widely cultivated and fish was also easily available during the rainy season. That is why such food is chosen during the fast.
Jitiya Vrat Timings:
This year, for the Jitiya fast, the devotee is required to take bath and eat on September 24 and then maintain the Nirjala fast on September 25. The Paran can be performed on the next day i.e. on September 26 after 5:05 am. Devotees can break their fast anytime after sunrise. Before the Paran, devotees perform rituals and worship the deity Jimutvahan Devta at home after their bath. Traditional dishes for the Paran often include Noni Saag, Torai ki Sabzi, Ragi Roti and Arbi.
Traditional cuisine:
In the Mithila region of Bihar, there is a tradition of eating rooti made from madua flour and jivani ki sabzi during this fast. Women also offer prasad in the name of Jimutvahan during this fast and pray for the long life of their children.
According to the Panchang, Jitiya fast is traditionally observed on the Ashtami tithi of 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 have special significance during Jitiya Vrat.
According to experts, this year's Jivitputrika Vrat will begin on September 24, 2024, and will conclude on September 26, 2024. The Ashtami tithi will begin at 12:38 pm on September 24 and will end at 12:10 pm on September 25. According to the Udayatithi, the fast will officially begin on September 24.
