Jitiya Vrat is known as Jeevit Putrika Vrat.
It is believed that Jitiya Vrat puja gives long life, health, happiness, peace and prosperity to the children of the fasting woman.
In Hinduism, Jitiya fasting is of great importance, especially for women. This fast starts with Nahay Khay and ends with Saptami, Ashtami or Navami. This year, the Jitiya festival will be celebrated from October 5 to 7, which offers some relief due to its shorter duration. Pandit Manotpal Jha from Purnia shared with News18 that women perform Jitiya festival to ensure the longevity of their sons. He added that fasting women during Jitiya Vrat observe Nirja Vrat on Ashtami.
According to Pandit Ji, women should bathe and fast until sunrise on October 5. Then on October 6, Jitiya fasting should begin in the morning and continue until 10:32 PM on October 7. Since it is Saptami until 9:34 AM on October 6, Jitiya fasting begins in the morning. This fast is observed on Ashtami, according to the fixed times of the Mithila Panchang.
Pandit Manotpal Jha said that though there may be time variations at different places, these are the set times. He also noted that Jitiya Vrat is known as Jeevit Putrika Vrat where the God of the living vehicle is worshiped. This puja is believed to grant long life, health, happiness, peace and prosperity to the children of the fasting woman.
Pandit Ji added that the tradition of performing Jitiya Vrat puja has been passed down from generation to generation, and mothers are well versed in its rituals. He shared the significance of certain practices like Naha Khae, Madwa Roti, Jingli leaves, Nauni saag and other specific items traditionally consumed during the Jitiya Vrat. These elements are of special importance when celebrating Lent.
He also advised that for Parana, the fasting person can break his fast by consuming sherbet or sweet water after 10:32 am on October 7. This helps in maintaining energy levels in the body after fasting.
Steps to worship on Jitiya Vrat
1. Clean the place of worship by covering it with cow dung.
2. Create a small pond by digging the soil.
3. Take a branch of Pakad and put it near the pond.
4. Place the idol made of Kusham of Dharmatma Jimutvahana, the son of King Shalivahana, in a vessel containing water or clay.
5. Decorate the image with yellow and red cotton.
6. Worship the idol with incense, lamps, Akshat (rice grains), garlands and different types of offerings.
These steps are part of the traditional ritual to honor and worship the gods during the Jitiya Vrat.