Jitiya Festival
Jitiya is an important festival of Nepali married women of Mithilanchal and
Tharu women of all castes. This festival is named after Masabashi's son
Jimutavahana, a blessing son of the Sun. Masabashi was an unmarried princess
who spent her life as hermit living in a hermitage.
Jitiya falls in the month of Ashwin (September October). It is celebrated for
three days on Saptami (the seventh day). Astami (the eighth day) and Navami
(the ninth day). The fasting day, Astami, is called itha. The married women
take brata (fast) for the good fortune of their children, husband and family
In this festival, brothers invite their married sisters to their homes, and the
married women go to their maiti (matemal homeOn the first day of Jitiya, women take a bath in a river or a pond early in the
morning and formally start their brata. Before taking a bath, they put khar
back home and massage their children with it. This khari is effused fo
legendary figures Chilo (eagle) and Shero (fox) wishing them to tak
brata (fasting) of Jitiya. The married women remember their femal
ancestors too. On this day, women scrub their house with cow's dung t
make their house sacred. At mid night, they prepare ongthan or datkha
(special food), and eat it before the cockcrow. They also eat fish and mille
bread. They have curd, beaten rice and fruits as dar. Before eating datkhat, the
offer some food to the legendary figures Chilo and Shero
The second day of Jitiya is called Upas. O n this day, the married wome
fast the whole day. They go to the river, pond and well and make an idol o
Jimutavahana made of kush (the holy grass), and worship the idol. Th
devotees get together and the ones who know about Jimutavahana, narrate hi
story. They neither drink a drop of water nor do they have some fruits durin
Astami. During fasting hours, they sing and dance too. Their song is calle
Darkatoni. Everyone, married or unmarried, can participate in singing.
The third or last day of Jitiya is called Parwan. The women wake up early
in the morning and go to the river to take a bath. Then they return home and
perform puja. After puja, they offer some fruits, milk and curd to Jimutavahana, a
legendary deity, before they eat. Then only they take food and drink water.
Afterwards the women complete their brata, then they sing and dance the
whole day.
Why do the women remember Jimutavahana, the eagle and jackal
during this festival? There is a popular story behind this. Jimutavahana had
saved the life of a baby eagle. By fasting, the eagle ensured her offspring
had a long life, whereas the jackal's offspring had a short life because the
jackal did not fast. While celebrating Jitiya, women devotees make idols of
the jackal and eagle with sand or cow dung, and red crimson is applied on their
forehead. As the main part of the ritual, women worship nature. The celebration
of Jitiya strengthens good relationships between different ethnic groups and
creates harmony in a society. It creates social solidarity and helps the society
function.
Jitiya Festival: Celebrating Tradition, Fertility, and Resilience
In the heart of the Terai region of Nepal, amidst the lush green landscapes and fertile fields, a vibrant and age-old festival known as Jitiya takes center stage. Jitiya, also referred to as Jivitputrika, is a significant festival celebrated by Hindu women to invoke blessings for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their children. This unique festival not only reflects the cultural richness of the region but also embodies the deep-rooted connection between nature, fertility, and human life. Spanning over three days, Jitiya is a celebration of tradition, family, and the enduring spirit of Nepalese society.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
The origins of the Jitiya festival can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology. The festival is deeply intertwined with the story of the goddess Jivitputrika, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, who is believed to have fasted and performed rigorous penance for the well-being of her children. This tale of maternal devotion and sacrifice forms the foundation of the festival's importance in Hindu culture.
Jitiya is primarily celebrated by married women, especially mothers, to seek blessings for the longevity and prosperity of their offspring. The festival holds immense cultural significance, reflecting the deeply ingrained values of motherhood and family unity in Nepalese society. It is also a celebration of womanhood, highlighting the pivotal role women play in nurturing and sustaining the family and community.
Rituals and Observances:
Jitiya is a three-day festival that typically falls in the month of Ashwin (September-October) according to the Nepali calendar. The festival's rituals are marked by fasting, prayer, and various customs that connect the participants with their cultural heritage and the natural world.
Day 1: Nahaya Khay
The first day of Jitiya is known as "Nahaya Khay." On this day, women take ritualistic baths in nearby rivers, ponds, or water sources before sunrise. This ritual is believed to purify the body and soul. After bathing, they offer prayers to the rising sun, seeking blessings for their children's health and well-being. The rest of the day involves preparing special dishes using ingredients like wheat, rice, and fruits, which are later consumed after sunset.
Day 2: Kharna
The second day, known as "Kharna," is one of the most significant days of the festival. Women observe a rigorous fast throughout the day, refraining from consuming food and water. The fast is broken after performing evening rituals and offering prayers to the moon. After breaking their fast, women partake in a lavish feast comprising various delicacies, including fruits, sweets, and special dishes. The feast is a testament to the determination and resilience of the women who fasted throughout the day.
Day 3: Ropai Jitiya
The third day of the festival is called "Ropai Jitiya." It involves a unique ritual where women sow barley seeds in small baskets filled with soil, which are then placed in a sacred corner of their homes. This act symbolizes the connection between fertility, agriculture, and human life. The seeds are nurtured with care, mirroring the way mothers nurture their children. The growing of barley also signifies the hope for a bountiful harvest in the coming months.
Community and Celebration:
Jitiya is not only a celebration within individual families but also a community event that fosters social bonds and a sense of unity among participants. Women come together to share their experiences, exchange stories, and perform rituals collectively. This communal aspect of the festival strengthens the fabric of society, reinforcing the importance of collective well-being.
The festival also incorporates various cultural performances, including traditional dances, songs, and folk art. These artistic expressions add color and vibrancy to the festivities, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. It's an opportunity for the community to showcase its cultural heritage and transmit it to the younger generations.
Preservation of Tradition:
In an ever-changing world, where modernity often clashes with tradition, festivals like Jitiya play a crucial role in preserving cultural identity. The festival serves as a reminder of the wisdom passed down through generations and the enduring values that define Nepalese society. As globalization advances, the continuation of such festivals becomes a testament to the resilience of cultural heritage.
Challenges and Adaptations:
While Jitiya holds immense cultural and emotional significance, it is not immune to the challenges of modern times. Changing lifestyles, urbanization, and economic shifts have led to variations in the way the festival is celebrated. In some cases, the intensity of fasting has been relaxed due to health concerns, and certain traditional practices have been adapted to fit contemporary lifestyles.
However, even as adaptations occur, the core essence of the festival remains intact. The deep-rooted belief in the power of maternal blessings, the reverence for nature, and the celebration of family ties continue to be the driving forces behind the festival.
Conclusion:
The Jitiya festival stands as a bridge between the past and the present, a testament to the enduring power of tradition in the face of change. It encapsulates the essence of motherhood, the harmony with nature, and the unity of communities. Jitiya is not merely a set of rituals; it is a living representation of the values and beliefs that have shaped Nepalese culture for centuries. As long as the festival is celebrated, the rich tapestry of tradition and heritage will continue to thrive, passing down its wisdom from one generation to the next.
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