Annual Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya)
Jivitputrika Vrat, popularly known as Jitiya, is one of the most demanding fasts in the Hindu calendar — observed by mothers for the long life, health, and protection of their sons and all children. It falls across three days in Ashwin Krishna Paksha: Nahai-Khai (bathing and eating on the 7th), Khur-Jitiya (the main 24-hour nirjala fast on Ashtami), and Paaran (breaking the fast on the 9th). The fast commemorates the self-sacrifice of Jimutavahana, a king who offered his own body to Garuda to save the serpents, and was revived by the grace of Goddess Mahamayi. It is especially prominent in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Protects children from illness, accidents, and untimely death, grants long life and prosperity to sons and daughters, strengthens the mother-child bond through divine grace, removes planetary afflictions affecting children, and earns immense merit for the mother's sacrifice.
Procedure
Day 1 (Nahai-Khai, Saptami): Bathe and eat a full sattvik meal — the last meal before the fast. Day 2 (Ashtami, main fast): Observe complete nirjala fast for 24 hours. Worship Jivitavahana and the Sun. Read or listen to the Jitiya Vrat Katha. Mothers pray for their children by name. Day 3 (Navami, Paaran): Break fast after sunrise with traditional foods — noni saag, maru (rice flour dumpling), and marua roti.
When to Observe
Ashwin Krishna Ashtami — the three-day observance falls in September/October. Especially prominent in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Fasting Rules
The main fast on Ashtami is a strict nirjala fast — no water, no food for 24 hours. The day before (Nahai-Khai) allows a full meal; the day after (Paaran) uses traditional regional foods to break the fast.
How to Break the Fast
Break fast on Navami after sunrise with traditional Paaran foods: noni saag (sour leafy green), maru (rice flour balls), and marua roti (finger millet flatbread). These foods are considered auspicious for the Paaran ritual.
FAQ
Q.What is Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya)?
Jivitputrika Vrat, popularly known as Jitiya, is one of the most demanding fasts in the Hindu calendar — observed by mothers for the long life, health, and protection of their sons and all children. It falls across three days in Ashwin Krishna Paksha...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya)?
The main fast on Ashtami is a strict nirjala fast — no water, no food for 24 hours. The day before (Nahai-Khai) allows a full meal; the day after (Paaran) uses traditional regional foods to break the fast.
Q.When should Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya) be observed?
Ashwin Krishna Ashtami — the three-day observance falls in September/October. Especially prominent in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Q.What are the benefits of Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya)?
Protects children from illness, accidents, and untimely death, grants long life and prosperity to sons and daughters, strengthens the mother-child bond through divine grace, removes planetary afflictions affecting children, and earns immense merit for the mother's sacrifice.