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In Sanatan Dharma, the fasts observed for the long life, good health and bright future of children are Jitiya Vrat (Jitiya Vrat) That is, the fast of Jitiya is considered to be the most difficult and of special importance. This very sacred festival, which lasts for three days, has started with Nahay-Khay on Friday, 2 October 2026. The next day i.e. on Saturday, 3rd October, mothers will observe a strict waterless fast for more than 24 hours for the welfare of their children, which will end with Paran on 4th October.
This time, according to the Panchang, all the dates and auspicious time regarding Jitiya Vrat have been completely decided, under which the fasting women have completed their preparations. Let us know all the important dates, worship methods and rules of Parana related to this great festival.
According to the Hindu calendar, the main Nirjala fast of Jitiya is observed on the Ashtami date of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. The complete schedule of this year’s festival is as follows:
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Nahay-Khay (First Day): Friday, October 2, 2026
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Main Jiutiya Vrat (Waterless Fast): Saturday, October 3, 2026
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Start of Ashtami Tithi: From about 07:59 am on October 3
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Auspicious time of Pradosh Kaal Puja: October 3, 06:05 pm to 08:29 pm
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Time of Parana (3rd day): Sunday, October 4, 2026 (after Ashtami Tithi ends and sunrise)
The first day of Jitiya fast is called ‘Nahay-Khay’. On this day, fasting mothers wake up before sunrise in the morning and take bath in holy rivers, ponds or at home by mixing Ganga water. After bathing, the entire house and especially the kitchen is thoroughly cleaned.
In the Terai areas of Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal, there is an ancient tradition of consuming Satvik food on the day of Nahay-Khay. On this day, mainly Noni ka Saag, Madua Roti and Jhinguni (Luffa) vegetable are prepared and eaten. On the night of Nahay-Khay, ‘Othgan’ or ‘Sargahi’ is also performed, under which before dawn, the mothers take some fruits or water and take a pledge to fast without water for the next 24 hours.
On the second day of the fast, i.e. on 3 October, after taking bath in the morning, the fasting women offer water to the Sun God and repeat the resolution of Nirjala fast, praying for the longevity and safety of their children.
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Decoration of worship place: In the evening, the puja place of the house is thoroughly cleaned and sanctified by coating it with cow dung or pure soil.
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Establishment of Lord Jimutavahana: According to religious beliefs, on this day the idol of Lord Jimutvahana is installed using Kush or clay. Along with this, symbols of Cheelh (eagle) and Syarin are also made in the worship.
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Bhog and adornment: Mustard oil, vermilion, flowers, intact fruits and soaked gram are offered to Lord Jimutvahana.
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Listening to Vrat Katha: During Pradosh period, all the mothers sit together and listen to the mythological story of Jivitputrika Vrat. After the Katha is over, a red or yellow colored sacred Jiutiya thread (a blessing in the form of a thread) is worn around the neck.
Jitiya fast is considered very strict because in it, leave alone food, not even a drop of water is consumed. The fast ends the next day i.e. Sunday, 4th October, after the end of Ashtami Tithi and sunrise. On the day of Paran, after taking bath in the morning, first of all Arghya is offered to Sun God, worship is done and after that the fast is broken by taking water and Prasad. After this, the fast is completed by consuming traditional dishes with the family.