Jitiya, a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Mithila region of India and Nepal, holds special importance for mothers and their kids. The festival is marked by various rituals, with the "Nahay Khay" ceremony being one of the most prominent. Jivitputrika fast is related to the Mahabharata period. On the day of Jitiya Vrat, after bathing, women worship in front of the idol of Lord Jimutavahana made of Kusha as per the rituals by offering incense lamps, rice, and flowers. Along with this, during the fast, idols of eagles and lions are made from cow dung and clay. While doing puja, they apply vermilion on their forehead, and during the puja, they definitely listen to Jivitputrika Vrat Katha. Jitiya 2023 Date & Significance: All You Need To Know About the Festival Celebrated by Mothers for the Well-Being of Their Children.

Jitiya 2023- on 6th or 7th October? When is Nahay Khay?

In the year 2023, Jitiya Vrat will be observed on Friday, 6 October 2023. This fast is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh in India. Jitiya fast is considered a very difficult fast. In this, the devotee has to observe a waterless fast for 24 hours. On this day, Shraddha will be performed on the Ashtami Tithi of Pitru Paksha.

Jitiya festival lasts for three days. This festival starts with the Nahay Khay tradition on Saptami Tithi, in which women prepare satvik bhog for worship after bathing in the holy river. Nirjala fast is observed on the second day of Ashtami. Jivitputrika Vrat Katha for Fasting Mothers To Learn Everything About the Three-Day Jitiya Festival (Watch Videos).

According to Drik Panchang, Ashtami Tithi Begins - at 06:34 AM on October 6, 2023, and Ashtami Tithi Ends - at 08:08 AM on October 7, 2023.

  • Nahay Khay – October 5, 2023

  • Jitiya Vrat – October 6, 2023

  • Fast breaking - October 7, 2023

  • Parana Time - 08:08 AM on October 7, 2023

Jitiya 2023 Nahay Khay Ritual

The Nahay Khay ritual is the cornerstone of Jitiya celebrations. It is observed on the first day of the festival.

Abstaining from Food and Water: On the morning of Nahay Khay, mothers fast from sunrise until they complete the rituals. This fast signifies their dedication to the goddess and their family's well-being.

Bath in Holy Waters: After sunrise, the mother takes a holy bath in a river, pond, or a clean water source. During this purifying bath, they offer prayers and seek blessings from the sun god.

Breaking the Fast: The fast is traditionally broken with specific foods like yogurt, flattened rice (chiwda), and fruits.

Jitiya Puja Dos and Don'ts

During Jitiya and the Nahay Khay ritual, there are certain customs and practices that should be observed:

  • It is customary to wear traditional attire, such as sarees or salwar suits, during the rituals.

  • One should sincerely observe the fast from sunrise until the Nahay Khay rituals are completed.

  • Like the Chhath fast, bathing and eating are done a day before the Jitiya fast, in this, the devotee takes food after bathing and worship and observes a waterless fast the next day. That is why, as per the rule, one should not eat garlic, onion, non-vegetarian, or tamasic food even by mistake on the day of Nahay-Khay.

  • If you have started Jitiya fast, then it should be observed every year. This fast should not be left midway.

  • It is believed that the mother-in-law observes this fast first. After that, this fast is observed by the daughter-in-law of the house.

  • Like other fasts, it is necessary to observe celibacy in the Jitiya fast. Along with this, there should not be any kind of animosity in the mind. During this period, one should stay away from fights.

  • Performing Aachman during the Jitiya fast is also considered prohibited. Therefore, do not consume even a single drop of water during Jitiya fast.

  • On Jitiya, the consumption of non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited. The entire day should be dedicated to vegetarian offerings and meals.

  • Jitiya is a time for family bonding and respect for elders. It's important to maintain a respectful and harmonious atmosphere.

  • To derive the full spiritual and cultural benefits of Jitiya, it's crucial not to skip any of the prescribed rituals, including the Nahay Khay ceremony.

In conclusion, Jitiya, with its Nahay Khay ritual and puja customs, is a celebration and a time to seek blessings for the family's well-being. By observing the dos and don'ts and performing the rituals with devotion, this festival continues to hold immense cultural and spiritual significance in the Mithila region and among families who cherish these traditions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2023 10:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).