This year, due to the difference between Mithila and Banaras calendar, the Jitiya fast kept for children is being observed on two different days. At many places in Bihar, it is being observed on September 24 and at many places on September 25. For those who are observing Jitiya fast on September 24, Nahai Khay will be today on Monday, September 23. After this, a full day fast will be observed on Tuesday and the fast will be broken on Wednesday. For those who are following Banaras calendar, Nahai Khay will be observed on Tuesday and Jivatputrika fast will be observed on Wednesday, after which the fast will be broken on September 26 in the morning after sunrise at 06.02 am.
When is the best time to fast
According to many astrologers, Jitiya Vrat should not be observed on Saptami with Ashtami but on Ashtami with Navami. This fast should be observed on Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month when there is sunrise, i.e. on Udaya Tithi. If there is even a little Ashtami during sunrise, even if there is full Navami after that, then it is prescribed to observe Jitiya Vrat on Navami with Ashtami. But if Saptami is there first and then Ashtami starts in the day, then Jitiya is not observed on that day. Women observe this Jitiya festival for the long life of their son. This festival has great significance. In this festival, coconut, cucumber, gram, Khaja and other worship materials are offered in the daala para on the fast worship. Jimutvaahan is worshipped in this fast. Nahai Khay and fast and then Paran on the next day, in total the fast lasts for three days.
