Jitiya 2025 Fast Tomorrow: Timings, Rituals & Mythology of Jivitputrika Vrat

Discover Jitiya Vrat 2025 (Jivitputrika Vrat) – a sacred Sanatangyan fast on 14 September, where mothers observe nirjala fasting for their children’s long life, health, and prosperity.

Jitiya Vrat, also called Jivitputrika Vrat, is a sacred fast kept by mothers for their children’s health and long life. It is observed on the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin. On this day, mothers keep a nirjala fast, which means they do not eat or drink anything. This vrat is known to be very tough, but it is also deeply spiritual and rewarding in Sanatan Dharma. In 2025, it begins with Nahay Khay on 13 September, the strict fast on 14 September, and concludes with Paran on 15 September.

Significance of Jitiya Vrat

Among all the vrats described in Hindu shastras, Jivitputrika Vrat stands out as one of the toughest and most selfless. Unlike many other fasts, it is a nirjala vrat—mothers abstain from both food and water for an entire day. This act reflects the ultimate expression of a mother’s love.

As taught by the saints and sages, the Sanatangyan path records that the essence of devotion is submerged in the concepts of vrata and tapasya. One of the verses in the Rigveda encapsulates full devotion in the following manner.

“माता रुद्राणां दुहिता वसूनां स्वसादित्याना॒ममृतस्य नाभिः।”

Translation: “The mother is revered as the daughter of Rudras, the sister of Adityas, and the very center of immortality.”

This verse shows that motherhood is sacred and divine. Observing the Jitiya fast makes this divine nature even stronger. It honors a mother’s love and dedication.

Jitiya 2025 Dates and Muhurat

In 2025, Jitiya Vrat will be observed as follows:

Nahay Khay: Saturday, 13 September 2025

Nirjala Vrat (Main Fasting Day): Sunday, 14 September 2025

Paran (Breaking the Fast): Monday, 15 September 2025

The Othgan ritual begins during Brahma Muhurat on 14 September. Women take a simple meal of poha (flattened rice) with curd before sunrise and then begin their waterless fast. The fast concludes on 15 September morning, after the Ashtami tithi ends at 6:35 am and Navami begins.

Rituals of Jivitputrika Vrat

The vrat extends over three days, marked by discipline and spiritual depth:

Nahay Khay (Day 1) – Women bathe, do sadhana and then take a light vegetarian meal.

Nirjala Vrat (Day 2) – The. most. difficult. day. is the one that mothers must face, in essence, where she fast, and whilst the fasting, she spends her time in prayer, mantra recitation in addition to listening to the incredibly long, recitative, complicated, and storied ‘vrat katha.

Paran (Day 3) – The fast is broken with prayers, bathing, and consuming sattvic food after the sunrise rituals.

In villages of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, women gather at riverbanks, under the shade of trees, or near temples to observe this vrat collectively, creating an atmosphere of devotion and unity.

Mythology Behind Jitiya Vrat

The Jivitputrika Vrat is equally referred to by certain people as Jivitputrika Vrat. It is, along with many others, a subject matter of the Puranic shastras and very old folklore. It is about a kind king by the name of Jimutavahana, famous due to his history of great and admirable noble acts. It is said that one day, the heavenly eagle Garuda, as the legend goes, demanded that a woman’s son be sacrificed. In lieu such as in the offering of bones to the hungry dog, Jimutavahana, the king, busy Jimutavahana offered himself in the place of the child, the woman’s son.

Impressed by his selflessness, Garuda not only spared him but also blessed him with a place in Vaikuntha and revived many children. From then on, mothers began to worship Jimutavahana, praying for their children’s longevity.

A verse often quoted during Jitiya Vrat resonates with the essence of sacrifice:

“त्यागेनैके अमृतत्वमानशुः।” (Kaṭha Upanishad 2.3.14)

Translation: “Immortality is attained only through sacrifice.”

This teaching aligns with the story of Jimutavahana, reminding us that true dharma lies in selflessness.

In short, Jitiya Vrat 2025 is more than a ritual. It is a heartfelt way for mothers to show love and sacrifice for their children. The fast follows Sanatangyan tradition and is guided by shastras. Sadhus and gurus also support its teachings. This vrat highlights devotion, selflessness, and prayers for a child’s health and happiness. It reminds us that true dharma comes from faith, sacrifice, and the strong bond between a mother and her child.