This article discusses the upcoming Jitiya fast, a ritual followed by women in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to pray for the well-being of their children. It is known to be a difficult fast as it involves abstaining from both food and water, making it a Nirjala Vrat. This year, the fast will be celebrated on September 25 and will involve traditional rituals and cuisine, including madua roti and fish. The article also delves into the mythological origins of these unique food choices for the fast, showcasing the strong cultural beliefs behind the Jitiya Vrat.
Jitiya Fast: A Ritual for Child Well-being in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
Background
Jitiya is a significant festival celebrated by women in the eastern Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It is a ritual observed for the well-being and health of their children. According to Hindu mythology, Jitiya was started by a princess named Jivita, who performed a severe fast to bring her dead son back to life. Since then, it has become a tradition for women to observe this fast to ensure the well-being of their children.
Observance
Jitiya is considered a strict fast, known as a Nirjala Vrat, where women abstain from both food and water for 24 hours. It is observed on the eighth day of Ashwin, a lunar month in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in September. During this fast, women perform rituals like offering prayers to Lord Shiva and the goddess Jivita, singing traditional songs, and applying henna on their hands.
Traditional Cuisine
On the day after Jitiya, women prepare and consume special cuisine that is believed to have mythological significance:
Mythological Significance
The unique food choices associated with Jitiya are rooted in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Goddess Jivita asked Lord Shiva for a boon to bring her dead son back to life. Shiva granted her wish, but on the condition that she would observe a fast and abstain from food and water for a day. Jivita used madua flour to make the roti she ate after the fast, and Lord Shiva blessed the fish she ate to be a symbol of fertility.
FAQs
1. When is Jitiya observed? Jitiya is observed on the eighth day of the Ashwin month, which usually falls in September.
2. What do women do during Jitiya? Women fast from food and water for 24 hours, perform rituals, and consume special cuisine.
3. Why is madua roti and fish associated with Jitiya? According to mythology, madua roti symbolizes purity and strength, while fish represents fertility and well-being.
4. Is Jitiya a difficult fast? Yes, Jitiya is considered a challenging fast due to the abstinence from food and water for a prolonged period.
5. How long has Jitiya been observed? Jitiya has been observed for centuries as a traditional ritual for child well-being in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
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