Jitiya Vrat 2024: Complete Guide to Katha, Paran Time, and Rituals

the auspicious Jitiya Vrat will be observed, a significant festival celebrated primarily in regions like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. This festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Jimutvahan and is particularly important for mothers praying for the long life and prosperity of their children. The rituals associated with this vrat include fasting without food or water and performing specific prayers and pujas.

What is Jitiya Vrat?

Jitiya Vrat, also known as Jivitputrika Vrat, is a traditional Hindu festival that spans three days. It begins on the seventh day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin and culminates with the Paran (breaking of the fast) on the ninth day. This year, the main rituals will take place on September 25, with Paran scheduled for September 26 at around 5:25 PM.

Significance of Jitiya Vrat

The significance of Jitiya Vrat lies in its association with various mythological stories that emphasize the importance of maternal love and devotion. Mothers observe this fast to ensure their children’s well-being and longevity. The vrat includes several stories, but the most notable ones are those involving Lord Jimutvahan and the tales of Chhil and Siyarin.

Jitiya Vrat Katha

The Jitiya Vrat Katha narrates how Lord Jimutvahan sacrificed himself to save a mother’s son from Garuda, who was destined to be sacrificed. This tale highlights themes of selflessness and divine intervention. According to the legend, during a time when mothers were worried about their children’s safety from Garuda, they sought guidance from sages. The story unfolds with Jimutvahan taking on a heroic role to protect children from harm.

Key Stories Associated with Jitiya Vrat

1. Jimutvahan’s Sacrifice: This story emphasizes Jimutvahan’s bravery as he willingly faces Garuda to save a child.
2. Chhil-Siyarin Tale: This narrative focuses on two birds, Chhil and Siyarin, who symbolize maternal instincts and their quest for their children’s safety.
3. Malin’s Experience: A tale about a woman named Malin who faced dire consequences for not adhering strictly to the vrat’s rules.

Rituals and Practices

Preparation Before the Fast

• Nahay Khay: The day before Jitiya Vrat involves a ritual bath and preparing special dishes for offering.
• Fasting: From sunrise on September 25 until Paran on September 26, women fast without consuming any food or water.

Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

1. Setting Up the Puja Area: Cleanse the area where the puja will be performed.
2. Idol Installation: Place idols or images of Lord Jimutvahan along with representations of Chhil and Siyarin made from clay or cow dung.
3. Offerings: Prepare offerings like fruits, sweets, and other traditional dishes.
4. Recitation of Katha: After completing the puja, recite or listen to the Jitiya Katha.

Paran Time

The Paran will take place at 5:25 PM on September 26. It is crucial for women observing this fast to break it with fresh food prepared after their puja.

Mantras for Jitiya Vrat

During the puja, specific mantras are recited to invoke blessings from Lord Jimutvahan:

• “Om Jimutvahanaya Namah”
• “Om Jivitputrika Devi Namah”

These mantras are believed to enhance spiritual connection and ensure blessings for children’s health and longevity.

Significance of Jitiya Vrat

Jitiya Vrat holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. It is a day when mothers observe a fast for the health and longevity of their children. The festival symbolizes a mother’s love and commitment to her offspring. During this time, women pray to Lord Surya and Jimutavahana, a mythological king known for his selfless act of bravery that saved the lives of many.The origin of this festival is rooted in the story of Jimutavahana, who sacrificed himself to save a woman’s child from the mythical bird Garuda. His compassion led to a promise from Garuda that no more sacrifices would be demanded from families of snakes. This act of kindness has made Jitiya Vrat a celebration of love and sacrifice .

Observing Jitiya Vrat: Rituals and Practices

Preparation Days

The festival spans three days:

1. Nahay Khay (September 24): On this day, mothers prepare for the fast by cleansing their homes and themselves.
2. Nirjala Vrat (September 25): The main fasting day where women abstain from food and water.
3. Paran (September 26): The day when the fast is broken.

Rituals on Jitiya Vrat

The rituals for Jitiya Vrat are elaborate and filled with devotion:

• Early Morning Rituals: Women wake up before dawn and take a ritual bath to purify themselves.
• Home Cleaning: Special attention is given to cleaning the puja room.
• Offering to Lord Surya: At dawn, they offer water to Lord Surya as a sign of respect.
• Idol Preparation: An idol of Jimutavahana is created using clay or cow dung.
• Lighting Diyas: Diyas are lit with desi ghee, symbolizing purity.
• Offering Prasad: Women offer flowers, akshat (rice), and banana leaves at the altar.
• Recitation of Jitiya Vrat Katha: The story is recited to invoke blessings for their children’s well-being.

Fasting Rules

During Jitiya Vrat, women observe strict fasting rules:

• No food or water is consumed for 24 hours.
• The fast is broken only after offering prayers to Lord Surya the following morning.

Traditional Foods and Prasad

On this occasion, specific dishes are prepared as offerings:

• Nooni Saag with Madua Roti: A traditional dish made from leafy greens and finger millet flour.
• Thekua: A sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and coconut.

These dishes are not only delicious but also symbolize the essence of the festival .

Muhurat Timings for Jitiya Vrat 2024

For those observing the fast, here are some auspicious timings:

• Chaughadiya Shubh Muhurat: From 4:43 PM to 6:13 PM
• Brahma Muhurat: From 4:35 AM to 5:22 AM
• Amrit Kaal: From 12:11 PM to 1:49 PM
• Vijay Muhurat: From 2:12 PM to 3:00 PM .

Cultural Celebrations

Jitiya Vrat is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various communities. Families come together to share stories about Jimutavahana and participate in group prayers. In Bihar, especially, community gatherings are common where women sing traditional bhajans and songs dedicated to their children’s health.

Community Engagement

In many regions, local pandals are set up where women gather to perform rituals collectively. This not only strengthens community bonds but also fosters a spirit of togetherness among families.

Scientific Benefits

While deeply rooted in tradition, some studies suggest that fasting can have health benefits such as improved metabolism and detoxification. Observing such fasts may also promote mental clarity and emotional resilience

Common Questions About Jitiya Vrat

• What should one avoid during this fast?
  Women should avoid consuming stale food or engaging in any activities that might break their concentration during the vrat.
• Can anyone perform this vrat?
  While primarily observed by mothers for their children’s well-being, anyone can participate in this vrat with sincere intentions.
• What are some traditional dishes prepared?
  Common offerings include kheer (rice pudding), fruits, and sweets made from pure ingredients.