The auspicious Jitiya festival celebrated across the Mithila region, has commenced today with rituals focused on the long life of children, the birth of sons, and family harmony. This year, the festival began with “naha kha” (bathing and eating) rituals, adhering to religious customs.
According to the Mithila Panchang, the festival started on September 24 and will continue through September 25, with fasting observed on the second day. Women participating in the festival began their fast at 4 AM today and will refrain from food until the evening of September 25, when they will break their fast at 5:15 PM, as noted by Pandit Upendra Pathak of the Jaleshwar Nath Mahadev Temple.
Before the fast, women bathe in rivers or ponds and offer offerings to the deity Jitamahan and their deceased ancestors on a plate made of gourd leaves, which includes chiura (flattened rice), yogurt, and other traditional foods. They consume these offerings themselves and share them with their families.
As part of the festival’s traditions, hundreds of devotees will bathe in sacred waters such as the Laxmi Sagar, Varun Sagar, and the Bhagavad Sarovar while listening to the tales of Jitamahan. The storytelling is often a communal activity, where elders narrate stories to younger listeners.
On the first day, following the rituals, it is customary to eat traditional foods like kodo roti (a type of millet bread) and leafy greens. The following morning, before calling out crows, women must complete specific offerings, often including chiura and yogurt.
The Jitiya festival, observed during the auspicious Ashwin month, holds cultural, religious, and tantric significance, reflecting the important role of women in Mithila society. Professor Dhruv Rai of Yalna Sanskrit Vidyapith highlighted the festival’s emphasis on women’s cultural roles, particularly their offerings to deceased ancestors.
Considered one of the most sacred fasts, Jitiya is a time of deep reflection. Any mistakes during the fast, such as burping or other signs of eating, are believed to invalidate the observance. The festival is steeped in myth, linked to the tale of a woman whose seven sons were taken by demons, and the king Shalivahan who rescued them, leading to the establishment of this revered tradition.
This year’s observance continues to showcase the cultural richness of Mithilanchal, celebrating the strength and significance of women in maintaining family ties and spiritual traditions.
