India is a land of diverse traditions, and among them, the Jitiya festival, also known as Jivitputrika Vrat, holds a special place in the cultural and spiritual lives of mothers in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.
Celebrated with deep devotion, this festival is observed by mothers for the long life, prosperity, and well-being of their children. In 2025, Jitiya will be observed with the same fervor, uniting communities through fasting, prayers, and rituals passed down for generations.
What is Jitiya Festival?
Jitiya, also called Jivitputrika Vrat, is a Nirjala Vrat (fast without food or water) observed mainly by mothers. The name itself means “for the life of the son”, though it is equally dedicated to the well-being of all children. Women fast from sunrise to the next sunrise, praying to Lord Jimutavahana, a legendary figure in Hindu mythology who is revered for his sacrifice and compassion.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Jitiya (also called Jivitputrika Vrat) |
| Type of Vrat | Nirjala Vrat (fasting without food and water) |
| Purpose | For the long life, prosperity, and well-being of children |
| Main Deity | Lord Jimutavahana |
| Associated Legend | Jimutavahana’s sacrifice to save a young boy from Garuda |
| Date in 2025 | Thursday, 18 September 2025 |
| Tithi | Ashtami of Krishna Paksha, Ashwin month (Hindu lunar calendar) |
| Duration | 3 Days (Nahai-Khai, Khur Jitiya, Parana) |
| Regions of Celebration | Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal |
| Day 1 (Nahai-Khai) | Ritual bath and simple vegetarian food (rice, ghee dishes) |
| Day 2 (Khur Jitiya) | 24-hour Nirjala fast, worship of Jimutavahana, folk songs (Jitiya Geet) |
| Day 3 (Parana) | Fast broken after sunrise with fruits and traditional delicacies |
| Cultural Practices | Singing folk songs, storytelling, courtyard decorations (alpana, rangoli) |
| Festive Foods | Marua roti, jaggery kheer, seasonal vegetables, sattu preparations |
| Unique Feature | Nirjala fasting by mothers, considered one of the toughest Hindu vrats |
Mythological Significance of Jitiya
The roots of Jitiya lie in the story of Jimutavahana, a prince who renounced his kingdom to serve humanity. According to legends:
- A divine bird called Garuda was once offered human sacrifices.
- Jimutavahana offered himself to Garuda in place of a young boy, showcasing selflessness.
- Moved by his sacrifice, Garuda blessed him and granted long life to those who remembered this act.
This is why mothers worship Jimutavahana during Jitiya, seeking protection and blessings for their children.
When is Jitiya Festival Celebrated?
Jitiya is observed during the Ashwin month (September–October) of the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically on the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha.
- Jitiya 2025 Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025
- Parana (breaking of fast): The following morning, after sunrise
Rituals of Jitiya Festival
The festival is celebrated over three days, each with symbolic importance:
1. Nahai-Khai (First Day)
On this day, mothers take a holy bath and prepare traditional vegetarian food, usually rice and ghee-cooked dishes. This marks the purification process before fasting.
2. Khur Jitiya (Second Day – Main Fast)
- Mothers observe a 24-hour Nirjala Vrat without eating or drinking.
- They worship Jimutavahana, narrating the legend to children and family members.
- Special folk songs called Jitiya geet are sung, reflecting maternal love and cultural heritage.
3. Parana (Third Day)
The fast is broken with fruits and traditional delicacies after sunrise. This symbolizes gratitude and the completion of penance.
Cultural Importance of Jitiya
- Strengthening Mother-Child Bond: The fast highlights the selfless love of mothers.
- Community Celebration: Women gather in groups, sing folk songs, and share stories, creating unity.
- Regional Traditions:
- In Bihar and Jharkhand, women decorate courtyards with alpana and rangoli.
- In Nepal, Jitiya is celebrated on a large scale with fairs and communal prayers.
Food and Festive Delicacies
Although fasting mothers abstain from food, the days before and after Jitiya are filled with traditional dishes such as:
- Marua Roti (finger millet flatbread)
- Kheer made with jaggery
- Seasonal vegetables cooked in mustard oil
- Sattu preparations
These foods reflect the local harvest season and nutritional balance.
Why Jitiya is Unique
Unlike many other Hindu fasts, Jitiya is a Nirjala Vrat, making it one of the most rigorous observances. Yet, women continue this tradition with dedication, showcasing resilience, maternal love, and unwavering faith in cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Jitiya festival 2025 is not just a ritual; it’s a heartfelt expression of maternal devotion and sacrifice. By observing this vrat, mothers seek divine protection for their children, weaving together faith, family, and tradition. As the celebrations spread across households in Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, and Nepal, Jitiya remains a vibrant reminder of the timeless bond between mother and child.
