Jitiya / Jivitputrika

Lord Jivantaka (protector of sons)

Hindu Nirjala (no water)

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Jitiya (Jivitputrika Vrat) spans three days in Ashwin Krishna Paksha: Saptami (preparation), Ashtami (nirjala fast day), and Navami (breaking the fast). Mothers observe this exhausting nirjala fast for the long life, protection, and prosperity of their sons. The vrat is named after Jivantaka (Jimutavahana), a noble king who sacrificed himself to protect others.

Dates 2026–2027

October 3, 2026

Mantra

ॐ जीमूतवाहनाय नमः

Om Jeemutvahanaaya Namaha

Om Jeemutvahanaaya Namaha — I bow to Jeemutvahana (Jimutavahana), the noble protector of sons

✦ Special Note

The main fast is a complete nirjala fast — neither food nor water — making this one of the most demanding vrats. The story of Jimutavahana is told: he was a generous prince who offered his own body to Garuda to protect the Nagas. His selflessness is the model for this vrat. Primarily observed in Bihar, Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

Foods Allowed

Water only during the nirjala fast (Khaur — main fasting day)Noni (a wild fruit) — the ritual food consumed the evening before fastingChura and dahi (flattened rice and curd) — on the day beforeFull satvik meal to break the fast on the third day

Foods to Avoid

All food on the main fast day (nirjala — no food, no water)Non-vegetarian food throughout all three daysOnion and garlicAlcohol

Meal Idea

Noni fruit, chura-dahi and makuni (rice balls) the evening before — then water only on the main fast day; break the fast on the third day with satvik cooked food

Related vrats

Prioritising the same tradition and category, with related tradition or family entries when fewer than six exist.

Akshaya Navami (Amla Navami) — November 18, 2026Same tradition and category
Akshaya Tritiya — April 19, 2026Same tradition and category
Anant Chaturdashi — September 25, 2026Same tradition and category
Basant Panchami — February 11, 2027Same tradition and category
Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya / Bhratri Dwitiya) — November 11, 2026Same tradition and category
Chhath Puja — November 13, 2026Same tradition and category

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