Jitiya Vrat to be observed for two days in Darbhanga with fish-eating tradition on Nahay-Khay The Jitiya festival will span two days this year in Darbhanga, featuring a unique tradition of consuming fish on the Nahay-Khay day. Women in Darbhanga are set to observe the Jitiya festival across two days this year. Mothers observe this austere fast to pray for the long life and prosperity of their children. The festival involves some extraordinary customs that often surprise people. While people generally give up non-vegetarian food before major festivals and avoid consuming garlic and onion even a day prior, this is a unique fast that actually begins with the consumption of fish. Insights from Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University Expert Providing detailed insights on this, Dr. Kunal Kumar Jha, the pro-vice-chancellor and astrologer at Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, stated that the Jitiya festival will be celebrated on October 3, 2026. Dr. Jha explained that women will observe the fast on the night of Saturday, October 3, and the fast will be concluded on Sunday, October 4, which falls on the Navami tithi. The fast will be broken after the Navami tithi commences following 7:38 AM in the morning. Mithilanchal Traditions and Othgan Auspicious Timing Since the Ashtami tithi is Chandrodaya vyapini, this Jitiya fast is famously known as Jitiya in the Mithilanchal region and as Mahalakshmi Vrat in other places. He noted that a day prior to October 3, particularly in Mithilanchal, an offering of fish and marua is made during this fast. On this day, after taking a bath, the fasting women consume fish and marua, a practice locally known as Nahay-Khay. Following that, a special meal is consumed at the end of the night, which is called Othgan. The auspicious muhurat for Othgan falls in the final phase of the night, and it must be completed before sunrise at 5:54 AM. What this means for you This festival holds deep traditional significance for women and families, making adherence to specific local timings and rituals essential. • Across India: Families observing Mahalakshmi Vrat and connected rituals in other parts of the country must carefully align with the specified dates and worship timings. • In Bihar and Mithilanchal: Women observing the fast in Darbhanga and surrounding regions must strictly follow the schedule of observing the fast on October 3, 2026, and breaking it after 7:38 AM on October 4. Why this happened The dates and rituals of the festival are determined based on astrological calendar calculations and established regional customs. • Date Calculations: Because the Ashtami tithi is Chandrodaya vyapini this year, the main dates for the Jitiya fast have been fixed for October 3 and October 4, 2026. • Regional Traditions: According to the ancient culture of the Mithilanchal region, eating fish and marua on the day of Nahay-Khay is an age-old established practice. • Paran Timing: Since the Navami tithi begins after 7:38 AM, the conclusion of the fast is scheduled strictly within that designated period. Questions & Answers 1. On what date will the Jitiya festival be celebrated this year? The Jitiya festival will be celebrated on October 3, 2026, this year. 2. On which day and time will the fast be concluded? The fast will be broken on Sunday, October 4, 2026, after 7:38 AM during the Navami tithi. 3. What food offerings are made on the Nahay-Khay day? Fish and marua are traditionally offered and consumed on the Nahay-Khay day in Mithilanchal. 4. What is the auspicious time for Othgan? The auspicious muhurat for Othgan falls in the final phase of the night, before sunrise at 5:54 AM. 5. Who provided these details? These specific details were provided by Dr. Kunal Kumar Jha, astrologer and pro-vice-chancellor at Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University. https://trendkia.com/en/religion/darabhnga-men-do-dina-manaya-jaega-jitiya-parva-nahaya-khaya-para-machhali-khane-ki-anokhi-parnpara-32753 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.