Dedicated to the longevity, health, and holistic protection of children, the revered Hindu festival of Jivitputrika, popularly known as Jitiya, is set to commence on October 2. Observed predominantly by mothers across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal, this sacred three-day penance is regarded as one of the most demanding fasts in Sanatan traditions. It requires women to observe a complete waterless vigil for more than twenty-four hours before concluding with ceremonial rites on October 4.
Key Schedule and Muhurat Timings
The Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Ashwin month begins on October 3 at 7:59 AM and runs until 5:51 AM on October 4. As per the Udayatithi convention, which determines festival observances based on sunrise timings, the primary waterless fast will be observed on Saturday, October 3.
Prayagraj-based priest Shipra Sachdev details the exact schedule as follows
- Day One (Friday, October 2): The festival commences with the cleansing ritual of Nahay Khay.
- Day Two (Saturday, October 3): Observance of the strict Nirjala fast and worship of Lord Jimutavahana.
- Day Three (Sunday, October 4): Ritual conclusion and breaking of the fast (Paran) after 7:32 AM.
Day One Rituals: The Cleansing Practice of Nahay Khay
The opening day of the three-day observance on Friday, October 2, is marked by Nahay Khay. Women begin their morning early with ritual baths and meditation before consuming a strictly satvik, wholesome meal. In many regional communities, preparing and consuming pumpkin with rice (kaddu-bhaat) remains an enduring culinary custom. Beyond physical cleansing, this first phase serves to mentally prepare the devotees for the prolonged austerity awaiting them the following day.
Strict Nirjala Austerity and Lord Jimutavahana Puja
The core observance unfolds on Saturday, October 3. On this day, mothers take a formal vow in the morning and refrain from consuming both food and water for well over twenty-four hours. This rigorous self-restraint is performed in the belief that sincere observance dispels life-threatening hazards and brings prosperity and enduring health to their offspring.
Special prayers are conducted during the Pradosh Kaal in the evening. Devotees worship Lord Jimutavahana with traditional offerings, and women gather in groups to recite and listen to the sacred legends of Jimutavahana, praying collectively for the prosperity and protection of their sons and daughters.
Breaking the Fast: Paran Guidelines on October 4
The arduous three-day observance draws to an end on Navami Tithi, Sunday, October 4. Shipra Sachdev noted that the fast should be ritually broken only after sunrise. The auspicious window for Paran begins after 7:32 AM on October 4. Mothers will break their fast by consuming water and food only after this specified time, marking the successful completion of the Jitiya rites.
