Jitiya festival begins with prayers
Summary
The three-day Jitiya festival has begun in the Mithila region with women observing strict fasting and prayers for the long life and good health of their children. Devotees perform ritual baths, worship Jimutvahan, and conclude the fast with the paran ritual on the third day.
Key Points
- The three-day Jitiya festival formally began on Friday in Mithila with prayers for children’s long life and health.
- Women observing the fast bathe in ponds, rivers and other water bodies, worship Jimutvahan, and follow strict fasting rituals without food or water on the main day.
- The festival is also linked with remembrance of deceased parents and ancestors, especially because it falls near the period of Hindu Shraddha rituals.
- Local researcher Mamata Singh and resident Pinkey Chaudhary explained the customs, strictness, and traditional story associated with the festival.
