🕉️ Jimutavahana
Krishna Ashtami of Ashwin (September-October)
Jivit Putrika Vrat (Jitiya)
Jivit Putrika Vrat (also called Jitiya) is a rigorous 24-hour nirjala fast observed by mothers for the long life, health, and prosperity of their sons. Legend: King Jimutavahana offered himself to a Garuda in place of a Naga boy — moved by his selflessness, the Garuda restored all previously-eaten Naga children to life. Mothers commemorate this by fasting for their own children. Especially observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern UP.
📅 Upcoming dates
- Thursday, 23 September 2027
- Tuesday, 12 September 2028
Dates are worked out from the panchang for New Delhi (IST). A tithi ends at a different hour elsewhere, so in some years the day differs by one.
🔔 Puja Vidhi
- Pre-vrat day (Nahai-Khai): light satvik meal with rice, fish/vegetable
- Vrat day: complete nirjala fast for 24 hours from sunrise
- Evening: recite Jitiya Vrat Katha (Jimutavahana story)
- Offer to Jimutavahana idol made of kusha grass and cow dung
- Third day (Parana): break fast with rice and pulao
📜 Rules
- Strict nirjala — no water for 24 hours
- Mostly observed by mothers with sons
- Community observance strengthens the vrat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mothers of daughters observe Jitiya?
Traditionally focused on sons, but modern practice includes daughters. The vrat's essence is a mother's prayer for her children's well-being.
Related vrats
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