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Patna: Women across the city will observe the Jitiya festival, also known as ‘Jivitputrika Vrat’, on Sunday by keeping a “nirjala” fast for the long life and prosperity of their children. The fast, considered one of the most significant rituals for mothers. Sukriti Kumari, a mother of three boys from Jagganpura, explained the importance of the rituals. “Noni saag (purslane) and madua (finger millet) roti is consumed a day before Jitiya Vrat as part of ‘nahay-khay’. This is a special part of Jitiya, which is observed for the long life, happiness and prosperity of the children. After katha, we prepare food and offer it to God, consume it, feed it to our family and put it on the terrace for the eagle. The fasting starts from dusk and continues till Monday morning,” she said. Anju Devi, a resident of Rajendra Nagar (road number 12), said, “We have been observing Jitiya together for years. It’s a special bond that brings us joy every time we practice the rituals.” Some women prepare eleven dough balls with sesame and cloves on Jitiya to ward off negativity, reciting the Vrat Katha under a banyan tree and offering prayers for their children. “On the concluding day, that is on Monday, we will prepare five different vegetables like turai (ridge gourd), saag, black peas, and other seasonal vegetables, and kachori,” Riddhima Sharma, a resident of Kadamkuan, said. Markets had seen a surge in demand ahead of the festival, with brisk sales of ritual fruits, betel leaves, rangoli powders, diyas, and festive sweets such as kheer and thekua. Puja stores displayed idols of the Sun God and Jimutvahan, the revered deity central to Jitiya’s traditions. Flower vendors sold marigolds and mango leaves for the kalash at Rs 80, packs of protective Jitiya Dhaga (threads) at Rs 150-200, and Vrat Katha booklets at Rs 100, which were purchased quickly from the shelves.
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