Jivitputrika Vrat 2023 Date, Jitiya Vrat
Jivitputrika Vrat is an important fasting day in which mothers observe Nirjala fast throughout the day and night for good health, happiness and well-being of their children.
Jivitputrika Vrat is observed on Krishna Paksha Ashtami in the month of Ashwin as per Hindu lunar calendar. This fasting is mainly observed in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Jitiya fasting is also popular in Nepal.
Jivitputrika or more commonly known as Jitiya is an important Vrat which is performed with austerity by the mothers for their children. The Jivitputrika Vrat is celebrated from the Saptami to the Navami of the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month.
Jivitputrika Vrat Significance and Legend
It is believed that an eagle and a female fox lived in a jungle near Narmada River were friends. One day, they saw many women performing the Jitiya puja & fasting. They too wished to observe the Vrat. But the Fox was unable to curb her hunger. Hence, she ate the food. While the eagle observed the fast with devotion. As a result, the kids born to the Fox died few days after birth. And Eagle's kids were blessed with long life.
According to another story, Jimutavahana was a kind king of Gandharva's. Jimutavahana gave his kingdom to his brothers and went to the forest to serve his father. He would spend the whole-time taking care of his father. One day he saw an old woman mourning. Upon asking, she told him that she belonged to a family of snakes (Nagvanshi) and had only one son. But due to an oath, every day one snake is offered to Garuda as a feed and tomorrow it is her son's chance to become his food. Jimutavahana consoled her and promised that he would protect her son from Garuda. He decides to lay down in red colored clothes on the bed of rocks as a feed for Garuda. Later, Garuda came and attacked Jimutvahana with the nails. Garuda was surprised as Jimutavahana had no tears in his eyes or fear of death. Garuda asked his identity. Jimutavahan described the entire scene. Garuda was pleased with the bravery and the benevolence of Jimutvahana. He promised Jimutavahana not to take any sacrifice from the snakes. Thus, Jimutvahana saved the race of the snakes. Since then, the fast for the children's welfare and long life is observed.
Jivitputrika Vrat showers love and affection of mothers towards their children. The strict fast is observed by the mother without a drop of water for the prosperity of her children.
Jitiya Vrat Rituals/ Celebrations
Jivitptrika Vrat is observed for three-day, from the seventh to the ninth day of Krishna Paksha in Ashwin month. The first day is known as Nahai-Khai when Mothers consume food only after having a bath. Homage is paid to all the departed mothers in the family. The fast is called as Khur Jitiya if it is done with water. A strict fast is observed without water which is also known as dry hay on the second day. Jitiya is a Red and a Yellow thread which is worn by the fasting mothers. The thread is taken off when it becomes worn off. The fast end on the third day with Parana. A variety of food and a special delicacy called Jhor Bhaat or Curry- Rice, Noni saag and Madua Roti are prepared. In western Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal, Parana is done with Noni ka saag, Maruwa roti and a vegetable stew of zucchini. It is a very difficult fast kept by the mothers for their children as the ritual has to be performed without consuming a drop of water.
JivitPutrika Vrat 2023 Muhurat
JivitPutrika Vrat 2023 Date - Friday, October 6, 2023
Ashtami Tithi Begins - 06:34 AM on Oct 06, 2023
Ashtami Tithi Ends - 08:08 AM on Oct 07, 2023
