Wed Sep 25 14:54:36 UTC 2024: ## Jitiya Vrat 2024: Mothers Observe Fast for Their Children’s Well-being

**New Delhi, India**: The Jitiya Vrat, a significant fast observed by mothers for their children’s long life and prosperity, will be celebrated on September 25, 2024. This fast, also known as Jiutiya or Jivitputrika Vrat, is primarily observed in Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

**Observances:**

* **Fasting:** Mothers observe a strict nirjala (waterless) fast throughout the day, culminating in elaborate evening rituals.
* **Puja Muhurat:** The auspicious time for worship is between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on September 25th.
* **Jitiya Katha:** A crucial part of the rituals involves listening to the story of Jitiya, which emphasizes the importance of the mother’s role in ensuring their child’s well-being.
* **Parana:** The fast is broken the following day (September 26th) at sunrise.

**Jitiya Puja Rituals:**

* The worship area is cleaned and adorned with cow dung.
* A small pond is created, with a branch of a Pakad tree placed near it.
* A statue of Jimutavahana, made of Kusha grass, is installed in the pond.
* Offerings of incense, lamp, rice, vermillion, fruits, and flowers are made.
* Women also create clay and cow dung figurines of a ‘chil’ (kite) and ‘siyarin’ (jackal), which are given a tilak (sacred mark) before the Jitiya Katha is recited.

**Breaking the Fast:**

* The Parana involves a specific ritualistic worship before consuming food like rice, marua roti (bread made from a millet), and nooni saag (a leafy green vegetable).

The Jitiya Vrat is a testament to the deep love and devotion mothers have for their children, a sentiment that resonates throughout India.

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