Jitiya Fasting – Jivitputrika Vrat

Jivitputrika Vrat, also known as Jiwit Putra, is observed for the wellbeing of the sons by mothers in North India, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. In 2012, the date of Jivitputrika Vrat is October 8. The Vrat is observed on the eighth day in the waning phase of the Ashwin Month. Jiutya, a red and yellow thread, is worn by mothers who undertake this fasting. A section of Hindu society has started questioning the relevance of such Vrats that are exclusively dedicated to sons; they are argue that it only worsens the condition of women and only encourage female feticide.

Jivitputrika Vrat is not dedicated to any particular deity. The sole aim of the Vrat is the long life of sons. After early morning bath and prayers, mothers start the fast and do not take any food during the whole day. Jiutya, a red and yellow thread, is worn on the day by fasting women and some women wear it till the thread is worn out.

Usually, Jiutiya fasting is done in a group and there will bhajans and narration of Jivitputrika Vrat Katha etc. The rituals associated with the Vrat vary from region to region but the purpose is the same.
The Jivitputrika Vrat demonstrates limitless love and affection of a mother for her son. In ancient days, sons were necessary for the protection of the mother and other female members in the family. But times have changed and today daughters are equally capable and can provide the same kind of protection a son provides. But sadly a large section of society still sees female as a burden and encourage female feticide.

One of the greatest aspects of Hinduism is to adopt fresh ideas and assimilate them into it. One idea that needs to be assimilated soon is the respect for girl child. And Jivitputrika Vrat should be performed for the welfare of sons and daughters (offsprings) not just sons.

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17 comments:

Prithi Shetty said...

I am performing this fast this year for my daughter.

Anonymous said...

i have a son, and i am performing this fast.
i would have still done it had i got a daughter- ruchita

Baby Shivali said...

i have been performing this vrat for my daughter frm last 1 YR she is 13 mth now............

AMARENDRA said...

I HAVE A DAUGHTER FOR WHOM I TAKE UP THIS VRAT .I PRAY FOR HER WELL-BEING


JAYA

JAYA said...

I HAVE A CUTE DAUGHTER FOR WHOSE WELL BEING AND HEALTH I KEEP FASTING ON THIS DAY

anamika said...

i m feeling very fine while doing this varat as bhagwan gave me opportunity 2 do so,i have aboy and agirland they r just a life 4 me

mikki said...

i am first time doing this fast for my 9 month old daughter for her well being

Anonymous said...

I have two lovely daughter's one is 10 yrs old and second is 7 yrs old. this is my first fasting vrata of jiutiya for their sound health.

Anonymous said...

hi!
i'm from bihar.my only daughter is 6years old and i do jitiya fast for her.i have seen others also who perform it for their daughter's well being. my maternal grand mother[nani] is 75years old and she does[and always did] jitiya vrat for her only daughter my mother.

Anonymous said...

I am from Bihar, and I do jitiya vrat for my son and my daughter. I feel good by doing Bhagvan ji puja for my children.

Anonymous said...

in patna district the festival is celebrated even if a lady has only one daughter so the discrimination part has already gone away especially is patna, Bihar, Congrats patna

Anonymous said...

HI, I have a darling Daughter soon to be three year old. I have been doing jitiya for her. My Mom has been doing jitiya since i was born and then my yonger brother came in. Most of the women i know do this fast for all of their kids and there is no categorisation that this is just for son.

Anonymous said...

This is not true, my mother also has been doing this vrat for all of us, me my sisters and my brother as well. This vrat is only associated with well being of the children. I am also a mother of a 8 years old son and I have yet not started bcoz I am waiting for a doughter.

aman said...

my mom do it for us i love u mom

aman said...

my mon do it for us keeping herself hungry fo a whole day really all moms are realy face of god i love u ma

priti said...

my husband and i m doing this festival for our son.pray god for his life and better futur.

kamini said...

first of all thank you very much for providing this on net,i have 2 sons and i have been doing this from last 6 years and pray for their better future.

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