The Toughest Vrat (कठोर निर्जला व्रत)
Jitiya, formally known as Jivitputrika Vrat, is one of the most rigorous fasts in Mithila culture. Observed during the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month (September–October), it involves a strict 24-hour Nirjala (waterless) fast. Mothers endure this hardship praying to Lord Jimutavahana for the health, prosperity, and longevity of their children, sons and daughters alike.
Rituals & Traditions (विधि-विधान)
Nahay-Khay (Purification)
The festival begins a day early with purification. Mothers take a ritual bath and eat only strict vegetarian food (sattvic), preparing their bodies for the fast. Marua roti (finger millet flatbread) and fish curry (in some traditions) or Nooni Saag are traditional dishes consumed on this day.
Othgan (Pre-dawn Meal)
Before the sun rises on the fasting day, mothers wake up in the Brahma Muhurta (around 4 AM) to consume 'Othgan'—a small meal of curd, beaten rice (chura), and sweets. This is the last intake of food or water for the next 24+ hours.
Jimutavahana Katha (The Story)
In the evening, mothers gather to listen to the legend of King Jimutavahana, a benevolent Gandharva prince who sacrificed his own body to save a baby snake from Garuda. His sacrifice impressed Garuda so much that he promised not to harm snakes anymore and blessed Jimutavahana with the power to protect children.
Paran (Breaking the Fast)
The fast is broken only after a specific time the next morning (usually after sunrise). Mothers offer prayers and first touch/bless their children before consuming food. It is believed that this act transfers the spiritual merit of the fast to the child as a protective shield.
The Legend of Chillho and Siyar
A popular folk tale associated with Jitiya is that of a female eagle (Chillho) and a female jackal (Siyar) who were friends. They both observed the fast, but the jackal broke it due to hunger, while the eagle completed it with devotion. In their next lives, the eagle's children (born as a queen's sons) survived all odds, while the jackal's children (born as a minister's wife's sons) faced misfortune. This story reinforces the importance of unwavering resolve.
Modern Relevance
In today's world, Jitiya remains a powerful testament to a mother's love. Whether in rural Mithila or in metropolitan cities abroad, Maithil mothers mark this day on their calendars with reverence. It is a day that celebrates the selfless, protective, and enduring nature of motherhood—a force that willing to endure extreme physical hardship for the safety of the next generation.