Jitiya: A Mother's Prayer for Her Children

Jitiya is a significant and arduous festival celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. During this three-day festival, mothers observe a 'nirjala' fast, abstaining from both food and water for nearly 24 hours, to pray for the health, long life, and prosperity of their children. This maternal devotion is a strong theme in Bihari culture, also seen in festivals like Chhath Puja.,The festival begins with 'Nahay-Khay', where mothers take a holy dip and have a single meal. The second day is the main fasting day, known as 'Kharna', where the fast is observed without a single drop of water. The fast is broken on the third day after performing prayers and rituals.,The festival is associated with the story of Jimutavahana, a benevolent prince who offered his own life to save the children of the serpent clan. Jitiya is a profound cultural tradition that highlights the immense love and sacrifice of a mother for her children, a bond also celebrated in Raksha Bandhan between siblings.

Keywords: jitiya festival, jivitputrika, bihar festivals, mother's fast, children's well-being