Jivitputriaka Vrat will be observed on October 6.
On the day of Jitiya, women wear a locket on a thread instead of tying a knot. This tradition and belief have been upheld for centuries and hold deep cultural significance.
Jitiya, also known as Jivitputriaka Vrat, is a festival mainly celebrated in Nepal and India. On this auspicious occasion, women observe a fast either for the well-being of their child or in hopes of conceiving one. This year, Jivitputriaka Vrat will be observed on October 6. Did you know that on this day, women traditionally wear gold and silver lockets?
According to Shyama Baba, the priest at the Jharkhand Kali temple, women observing the Jivitputriaka Vrat should wear a garland made of red and yellow threads, along with lockets crafted from gold and silver. There is a customary practice of making a mark on the garland and locket, corresponding to the number of children one has. He suggests that during this time, women should adorn themselves with a Jitiya rosary, a gold locket, a silver locket, as well as diamonds and topaz gemstones, each representing the number of children they have. Some women opt to wear a locket on a thread instead of tying a knot. This tradition and belief have been upheld for centuries and hold deep cultural significance.
Shyama Baba further claims that as Jitiya Vrat approaches, red and yellow coloured “jitiyas” are available in the market for Rs 10. There is always a surge in demand for j”itiya” lockets, made of gold and silver, during this period.
As per reports, this tradition has a long history. Jimutvahan was the king of Gandharvas. He gave up his kingdom to his brothers and went to the forest to serve his father. He met an old woman who was mourning. She told him that due to an oath, she had to offer her only son to Garuda tomorrow to her. Jimutvahan promised her to protect her only son. The next day he offered himself to Garuda. Jimutvahan remained calm while Garuda started attacking him. Seeing his calm behaviour, Garuda questioned Jimutvahan about his genuine identity. Then Jimutvahan narrated the whole incident and after hearing this, Garuda was impressed by his generosity and he said he won’t demand any sacrifices. Since then mothers have observed fasts to honour this legend in order to protect their children.
As for the timings in 2023, the Jitiya fast will commence on October 6 at 6:34 AM and conclude on October 7 at 8:10 AM. According to astrological guidelines, the fast is concluded by taking a ceremonial bath in a holy river. In cases where there is no river nearby, individuals may opt for a pool or any other available water source. This rigorous fast serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment and love that mothers have for their children.
In terms of significance, according to the Hindu calendar, married women observe the Jitiya fast every year on Krishna Ashtami in the month of Ashwin. It is believed that children whose mothers observe the Jitiya Vrat enjoy joy, prosperity, and long life. Throughout the Jitiya Vrat, women fast strictly, refraining from even water. Normally, the Jitiya Vrat culminates on the Navami Tithi, the following day. This observance is particularly prominent in regions like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.
