Jivatputrika puja

Jivatputrika Vrat - 8th October 2012

Jivat Putrika vrat or also known as Jitiya is a festival celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP. Today, Lord Jimutavahana or Vishnu is prayed. This Vrat takes place on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami or eighth day of first half of Ashwin month. This is a 'Nirjala' Vrat or a fast where even water is avoided.

Mothers observe this festival and take up its hardship for the welfare of their sons/daughters. Every mother wants her child to be strong, happy, prosperous, and live a long successful life. This Vrat is a mother's call to the Gods for the fulfillment of this aspiration.

The Vrat spreads out over three days. The first day is 'Nahai-Khai' where the ladies eat 'Marua ka roti and Saag' etc. Next day is the full fast and in the evening the Vrat Katha or story is read. The third day is the 'Paran' or closing ceremony where prayers and Prasad are offered to the Gods and the fast is opened.