Jitiya Vrat on Saturday, October 3: mothers fast for children's long life
Jitiya Vrat, also called Jivitputrika Vrat, falls on Saturday, October 3, with mothers observing a waterless fast for their children.
According to the Hindu calendar, Jitiya Vrat is observed on the Ashtami tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin. This year the fast will be observed on Saturday, October 3. The vrat is also known as Jivitputrika Vrat.
On this day, mothers pray for the long life, health and prosperity of their children. By tradition, women keep a nirjala fast, without even water, and break it the next day.
On the muhurat timings, the Brahma Muhurat on the day of Jitiya Vrat will be from 4.38 am to 5.26 am. The morning muhurat is from 5.2 am to 6.15 am. The Abhijit Muhurat will be from 11.46 am to 12.34 pm. The Godhuli Muhurat is from 6.5 pm to 6.29 pm, and the evening muhurat will be from 6.5 pm to 7.18 pm.
According to Drik Panchang, the fast should be broken (parana) after 7.28 am on Sunday, October 4.
Items needed for the puja include an idol of Lord Jimutavahana, flowers, a flower garland, yellow cloth, an earthen lamp, wick, incense sticks, dhoop, camphor, a copper vessel, sindoor, Gangajal and panchamrit. A book of the Jitiya Vrat katha, thekua, traditional preparations, a bamboo basket, maruwa flour, khadi, a bedding and red or yellow cloth are also kept.
Kusha grass, a kalash or lota, water, rice, roli, sandalwood paste, turmeric, durva grass, fresh flowers, betel leaf, betel nut, cloves and cardamom are also required. A red or yellow Jitiya thread, seasonal fruits, sweets and soaked gram are also on the list.
For the puja, devotees should rise early on the day of the fast and wear clean clothes. A lamp should then be lit before the deity. Holding water, flowers and rice in hand, they should pray for the well-being of their children.
Families that have a tradition of eating oghan or sargi should eat it before sunrise.
For the puja, spread a red or yellow cloth on a wooden stool. Then make an idol of Jivitputrika from durva grass. A picture available in the market can also be used. Offer flowers, a garland, sindoor, rice, roli, durva, naivedya, sweets and fruit. A red or yellow Jitiya thread should also be offered.
Then light a ghee lamp and read the Jitiya Vrat katha. After reading or listening to the katha, perform aarti and pray before the deity for the well-being and health of the children.
Thekua, traditional preparations, sweets, soaked gram, seasonal fruits and panchamrit can be placed as naivedya during the puja.
