Jara Jivantika Puja is observed by Hindus on Shravani Shukravar (Friday of the month of August). The festival is celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm in Maharashtra and Gujarat. This year, Jara Jivantika Puja 2019 dates are August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23 and August 30. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Ma Jivantika - the Hindu goddess who is the provider and protector of children. The vrata is observed as it is believed that the Goddess helps married couples to give birth to kids. Goddess Jivantika is worshipped on all Fridays in Shravan month. Sawan 2019 Calendar and Dates: Shravan Month Schedule & Solah Somvar Vrat Puja Vidhi to Please Lord Shiva.

Jara Jivantika Puja 2019 Date

The significance of Ma Jivantika and Jara Jivantika Vrat is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. The tradition began after many children died before reaching the age of five during the reason season. To avoid this, people started worshipping the Goddess to protect the children. On this day, mothers keep a vrat (fast) to protect their children. During the vrat, women can only consume fruits and water.

Significance of Jara Jivantika Puja

Shravan Shukrawar (Photo Credits: File Photo)

The vrat is kept by all mothers for the well-being of the children and to give birth to healthy babies. Women who observe the fast on this day wear only red clothes and avoid social functions. They take the morning bath and then perform Puja to Goddess Jivantika.

Shravan Shukrawar (Photo Credits: File Photo)

As stated above, Jivitputrika Vrat is a significant fasting day in which mothers observe Nirjala fasting throughout the day and night for the well-being of their children. After the Puja, mothers pray to the Goddess to protect her children and then sprinkles the rice on the head of the children.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2019 06:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).