Jitiya Vrat : Fasting, Praying, and Celebrating Bond of Motherhood

Jitiya Vrat: Moms, Prayers, and a Whole Lot of Love-Fueled Fasting 

India, or as we fondly call it, Bharat, is not just a country—it’s like a living, breathing history book that’s constantly flipping through centuries of fascinating tales. From epic battles to heartwarming traditions, this land has a story for every corner, and one of the most charming chapters is all about fasts. Yes, you heard it right—our superwomen (aka moms and wives) are out here fasting not just for their own health, but for the well-being of their entire families! Talk about commitment, right?

From Karva Chauth to Teej to Chhath Pooja, these fasts can stretch for entire days without a single drop of water.  And when I say fasts, I don’t mean skipping snacks; its —no food, no water, and sometimes for up to three days! Pretty hardcore, huh? 

Imagine going without food or even water for an entire day, or sometimes, for a couple of days straight. Yes, it's intense. But here’s the catch: our lovely ladies do it with so much love and devotion that the difficulty doesn’t even phase them. It's like they have their own superpowers to make fasting look like a cakewalk (but without the cake!).

Now, let me take you on a quick detour to a lesser-known but equally impressive fast— Jitiya vrat. A fast that might not be as widely known but is deeply rooted in Sanatan Dharma. This is a fast mothers keep, and it’s particularly popular in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. What’s it about? Well, let’s just say it’s all about love, protection, and blessings for their children. And trust me, once you hear the details, you'll be hooked!

Why is Jitiya Vrat Celebrated?

At its heart, Jitiya is about the incredible bond between a mother and her child. Every year, mothers voluntarily fast for an entire day—yes, often without water—praying for their kids' long life, prosperity, and health. It’s like a 24-hour dedication to their children's happiness. No matter how old the kids get, for these mothers, their little ones' safety and success remain the top priority. Think of it as a heartwarming festival that says, "Moms will always have your back!"

The Story Behind Jitiya 

Now, no Indian festival is complete without a fascinating historical tale, right? Jitiya traces its roots back to the story of Jimutavahana, an ancient king known for his selflessness. Picture this: Jimutavahana was willing to give up his own life to Garuda, the king of birds, to save a Naga (serpent). Just when things were about to go down, Garuda was moved by Jimutavahana’s act of sacrifice and decided to spare his life, along with all the Nagas.

So, Jivitputrika Vrat or Jitiya Vrat is a festival where mothers, without a drop of water or food, devote their entire day to praying for their children's well-being. Sounds intense, right? That’s Jitiya for you—a festival packed with love, sacrifice, and a sprinkle of spiritual magic. Celebrated with passion in parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, this festival is not just about rituals; it’s a testament to the undying love of a mother.

So why are we talking about a king from ages past? Because his selflessness and courage became symbolic of the protection and sacrifices that mothers are ready to make for their children. During Jitiya, mothers honor Jimutavahana and channel that spirit of protection, hoping for the same kind of safety and blessings for their kids.

How is Jitiya Celebrated?

Jitiya is no one-day wonder; it’s a three-day celebration where mothers dive deep into their devotion, starting with rituals and ending with a grand feast.

1. Nahai-Khai (First Day): The festival kicks off with some cleansing. Mothers bathe at the break of dawn, purifying themselves for the days ahead. After performing prayers, they feast on a nutritious meal—kind of like fueling up before the big day.

2. Khur Jitiya (Second Day): Here comes the big moment—the day of fasting! Mothers take their devotion to another level by fasting for the entire day. No food, no water—just prayers or jitiya vrat katha. They spend this day asking the universe to bless their children with good health, success, and happiness. It’s like a marathon of love and prayers.

3. Parana (Third Day): After the fast, mothers break their fast with love and gratitude, performing rituals to complete the cycle of devotion. With prayers offered and fasts observed, it’s time to celebrate, with family gatherings and food.

Why Jitiya Stands Out

Jitiya isn't just about fasting; it’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices mothers make—both big and small. From staying up all night with a sick child to skipping meals to feed their little ones first, moms are the unsung heroes in our lives. Jitiya is their day to shine, even if it means putting themselves second—again.

So, the next time you see your mom rushing around to ensure everything's perfect in your life, remember that festivals like Jitiya have been celebrating her love for centuries. After all, who else would willingly go hungry just to pray for your happiness?

Beyond Bihar: Jitiya Goes Global!

Who says traditions stay confined to borders? While Jitiya might have its roots in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, this fasting ritual is making its way across the globe like a cultural trendsetter! Jitiya vrat has now packed its bags and gone global! Yep, this age-old fasting ritual has become an international affair, thanks to the cultural highways paved by technology, migration, and the unshakable spirit of our Indian moms. Move over, trendy detoxes—Jitiya is here, and it’s not just about skipping meals; it’s about devotion, love, and, well, a bit of hunger management.

As moms in other parts of India caught wind of this tradition, they couldn’t resist joining in. In India, Jitiya has already extended its roots beyond its birthplace. Whether you’re in Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, you're bound to spot groups of women decked up in vibrant sarees, fasting with smiles and sharing tales of how "Jitiya is tough, but totally worth it!" But wait, it doesn't stop there.

With Indians settling abroad, Jitiya is now popping up in unexpected places like New York, London, Dubai, and even Sydney! The traditions travel, but the spirit remains the same. WhatsApp groups buzz with vrat reminders, Zoom calls host virtual pujas, and Indian stores abroad ensure that moms can get their hands on all the essentials for the rituals.

Jitiya is proving that tradition isn’t static—it thrives, evolves, and travels. From the villages of Bihar to bustling metros to other nations, this vrat is now Bharat's way of keeping ancient love and devotion fresh and fashionable.

So, if you happen to be in Bihar, Jharkhand, or Uttar Pradesh during Jitiya, don’t miss the prasad — pua dippied in condensed sweetened milk with mix floor poori and lipsmacking curry, wrapped in tradition, spirituality , and lots of love.