Jitiya Vrat Begins October 2 for Children's Long Life, Check Complete Schedule from Nahay Khay to Paran The three-day Jivitputrika fast observed by mothers for their children's longevity begins on October 2 with Nahay Khay and concludes on October 4 after a strict waterless vigil. 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. What this means for you This three-day festival directly shapes the daily routines, dietary practices, and devotional schedules of fasting mothers and their households. • For Fasting Mothers: Devotees must adhere to strict lifestyle and dietary rules starting with Nahay Khay on October 2 until Paran on October 4. The rigorous waterless vigil on October 3 spans over 24 hours, requiring advance physical and mental preparation. • Fasting Conclusion Window: The auspicious timing to break the fast on October 4 begins only after 7:32 AM. Fasting women should plan their morning meals and rituals around this designated cutoff. • Household Preparations: Families across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand need to arrange traditional offerings and ingredients like pumpkin and rice ahead of October 2. Preparing satvik meals forms an essential part of the opening rituals. • Puja Arrangements: Evening worship and recitations on October 3 occur during Pradosh Kaal. Communities and households should coordinate group prayer and storytelling sessions in advance. Why this happened Jitiya Vrat is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha during the Hindu month of Ashwin to invoke divine protection and longevity for children. • Spiritual Motivation: Mothers observe this rigorous discipline to seek divine blessings for the health, prosperity, and survival of their children. Religious belief holds that sincere observance removes obstacles facing offspring. • Tithi Alignment: The Ashtami Tithi begins on October 3 at 7:59 AM and concludes on October 4 at 5:51 AM. The principle of Udayatithi, where the prevailing tithi at sunrise governs the observance, dictates that the full fast falls on October 3. • Devotion to Lord Jimutavahana: Ritual traditions mandate invoking Lord Jimutavahana through storytelling and evening worship during Pradosh Kaal, sustaining a centuries-old cultural custom across eastern India and Nepal. Questions & Answers 1. When does Jitiya Vrat 2026 begin? The festival starts on October 2 with Nahay Khay and concludes on October 4 with Paran. 2. On which day is the waterless fast observed? Following the Udayatithi rule, the main Nirjala fast will be observed on Saturday, October 3. 3. What are the exact timings of Ashtami Tithi? The Ashtami Tithi begins on October 3 at 7:59 AM and ends on October 4 at 5:51 AM. 4. When is the auspicious time for Paran to break the fast? The fast should be broken on Sunday, October 4, after 7:32 AM. 5. Which deity is worshipped during Jitiya Vrat? Devotees primarily worship Lord Jimutavahana and recite his sacred legends during the rituals. 6. What is the traditional meal for Nahay Khay? Women traditionally consume a pure satvik meal, commonly preparing pumpkin and rice (kaddu-bhaat) in several regions. https://trendkia.com/en/spirituality/sntana-ki-dirghayu-ka-mahaparva-jitiya-2-october-se-nahay-khay-se-paran-taka-ki-snpurna-tithiyan-aura-niyama-41514 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.