Jivitputrika (Sanskrit: जीवित्पुत्रिका) also known as Jitiya (Hindi: जिउतिया) is a festival in which Nirjala (without water) vrata throughout a day and night, is observed by mothers for wellness of their sons. A three day long festival is celebrated from seventh to ninth lunar day of Krishna-Paksha in Ashvin month. It is celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Jivitputrika Vrat Story
It is believed that once an Eagle and a Siarin living in a jungle were friends with each other. Once both of them saw some females performing the fast and wished to observe it themselves too. Both of them observed the fast but Siarin became unconscious because of hunger and she ate food without telling anyone. On the other hand, the Eagle observed the fast with full dedication and completed it. As a result, all the kids born by Siarin used to dies after some days and eagle’s offsprings were blessed with long life.
Jimutavahana Story
According to this story Jimutavahana was the wise and a kind king of Gandharva’s. Jimutvanhan was not satisfy being a king and as a result he gave all the responsibilities of he kingdom to his brothers and went to the jungle to serve his father. He used to spend his time taking care of his father.One day while wandering in the jungle he finds an old woman mourning.He asked old woman the reason of weeping on which she told him that she belong to a family of snakes (Nagvanshaki) and has only one son. But as an oath every day one snake is offered to Pakshiraj Garuda as a feed and today is her son’s chance to become his food. After listening to her problem Jimutavahana consoles her and promises that he will get back her son alive and will protect him from Garuda.He decides to lay down himself on the bed of rocks being presented to the Garuda for the feed. Garuda comes and holds the Jimutvahana covered with red cloth with his fingers and climbs the rock.Garuda finds it surprising when the person he has trapped does not response. He asks the Jimutvahana his identity on which he describes the entire scene to the Garuda.Garuda gets pleased with the bravery and the benevolence of Jimutvahana and leave him and also promises not to take any sacrifice from the snakes. Due to the bravery and generosity of Jimutvahana the race of the snakes were saved and as a result since then the fasts for the son’s welfare and long life is observed.
Importance
This festival shows the great love and kind affection of mothers to their children;In which mother keeps strict fast even without water only memorizing of children.
When and where
A three day long festival is celebrated from seventh to ninth lunar day of Krishna-Paksha in Ashvin month that falls generally in September.The first day,the day before Jivitputrika is known as Nahai-khai.On that day Mothers take food only after having their bath.On Jivitputrika,Strict fast is observed. The third day,Fast neds with Paaran(taking first food of the day).A variety of food and a special festival delicacy Jhor-Bhat is prepared. The festival is celebrated mainly in the Mithilanchal regions of Nepal and Bihar,Jharkhand,Utterpradesh of India. However Also celebrated in the regions populated with Mithila and Bihari people across India and Nepal.
Source Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jivitputrika
