Jitiya: A ritual celebrating the majesty of motherhood

Preserving humanity, equality, and ecological balance through small folk practices, Jitiya is simultaneously a celebration of maternal compassion, generational memory, and gratitude to the Earth

A devotee taking a holy bath at Gangasagar pond in Janakpurdham on the occasion of Jitiya festival. Photo: Chandan Thakur/RSS

JANAKPUR: Jitiya is a festival that began to be heard about and somewhat recognized at the national level only after the advent of democracy in our country. However, the fundamental elements, character, and consciousness that ought to exist within a democracy were preserved for centuries in the Mithila region through the continuous tradition of the Jitiya festival. Those who observed this festival did not articulate it in those terms, or perhaps they lacked the art of explaining it. Meanwhile, the state power, which advocated “one language, one attire, one environment” in the name of nationalism, cared nothing for other cultural distinctiveness.

Due to this mindset, even now as Jitiya has started to enter public discourse, there is hardly any visible interest anywhere in reflecting upon its true character. Had cultural scholars made the effort to study the country’s cultural diversity and its unique characteristics to reach deeper understandings, author Khadag Pandey would not have needed to write provocative articles such as “Patriarchy Even in Heaven” in this day and age. Intellectuals reading that article would not have had to curse their own traditions. Even if they felt compelled to express dismay, they should have cursed themselves for remaining ignorant of a significant cultural practice belonging to a vast region of their own country. Indeed, the Jitiya fast observed by mothers in Mithila-Madhesh would certainly have offered some relief from anxieties regarding gender discrimination even during Pitru Paksha (a 16-lunar-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to remembering, honoring, and paying homage to deceased ancestors).

In Mithila-Madhesh, Jitiya—a festival that represents an extraordinary blend of spiritual faith and worldly reality—stands as a living example of Lokveda.

The word used by common people in Mithila is “Lokveda.” Although the Vedas are considered a guiding force, this term—emerging from the Maithil tradition that accords the highest importance to the folk (Lok)—illustrates the Maithil psychology. According to this mindset, scriptural texts are respected in Maithil society, but only after receiving folk endorsement. The Jitiya festival, an extraordinary blending of spiritual faith and earthly reality in Mithila-Madhesh, is a living example of this Lokveda. Here lies the shadow of scripture, but the soul of the festival is forged by the folk—and that soul belongs to the mother.

A mother’s fast, the welfare of the folk

In terms of rituals, the core day of the Jitiya festival—which binds fast-observers (vratalus) for a minimum of three days—falls on the Ashwin Krishna Ashtami (the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin). On this day, women with children observe an absolute waterless and foodless fast for the longevity and well-being of their offspring. The rules of this fast are far more rigorous than those of other fasts. Consequently, public faith in and awareness of the significance of Jitiya are notably profound. In the Mithila region, if someone survives a major calamity, there is a common saying: “His mother had observed Khar Jitiya.” This saying or belief highlights the faith in the fast and the power of maternal penance.

During Jitiya, Lord Jimutavahana is worshipped. Yet, as severe as the discipline of the fast is, the elements protected by the festival are equally gentle and universally embraced. It reflects a deep understanding that if the entire society and environment thrive, the family and children standing on the foundation of that society naturally remain safe. Here, motherhood is not confined to personal emotion; it is intertwined with harmony with nature and social responsibility.

Jimutavahana: The protector born from a mother’s tears

Jimutavahana, worshipped during Jitiya, was a prince of the Vidyadharas. The Vidyadharas are a class of semi-divine beings possessing supernatural powers who traverse the skies, considered higher than humans but below gods. According to the legend, after his father, King Jimutaketu, reached old age, Jimutavahana renounced his kingdom and opulence to serve his parents, moving to live in the forest near Mount Malaya.