Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Jitiya Vrat 2026: Dates, Rituals and Significance Explained
Jitiya Vrat is a Hindu festival observed by mothers for the health, safety and long life of their children.
It is also called Jivitputrika Vrat.
The festival lasts for three days.
On the first day, mothers take a holy bath and eat a simple vegetarian meal.
On the second day, they observe a very strict fast called Nirjala Vrat.
During this fast, they do not eat food or drink water.
They pray to Lord Jimutavahana and listen to holy stories.
In 2026, Nahay-Khay is on October 2 and the main fast is on October 3.
Jitiya Vrat, also called Jivitputrika Vrat, is a three-day Hindu festival observed mainly by mothers for their children’s well-being.
The festival is primarily observed in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Nepal.
Nahay-Khay is scheduled for October 2, 2026, when devotees take a holy bath and eat a simple vegetarian meal.
The Nirjala fast is scheduled for October 3, 2026, and involves abstaining from both food and water for 24 hours.
The Ashtami Tithi begins at 11:29 a.m. on October 3 and ends at 9:21 a.m. on October 4, 2026.
- Who
- Mothers and other devotees observing the Hindu fast.
- What
- Jitiya Vrat, a three-day fast and festival for children’s safety, health, prosperity and long life.
- When
- Nahay-Khay is October 2, 2026; Jitiya Vrat is October 3, 2026. Ashtami Tithi runs from 11:29 a.m. on October 3 to 9:21 a.m. on October 4.
- Where
- Primarily Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Nepal.
- Why
- Devotees pray for their children’s protection, happiness, health, success and long lives.
- Festival names
- Jitiya Vrat and Jivitputrika Vrat
- Nahay-Khay
- October 2, 2026
- Main fast
- October 3, 2026
- Fast type
- Nirjala, meaning no food or water
- Ashtami begins
- 11:29 a.m. on October 3, 2026
- Ashtami ends
- 9:21 a.m. on October 4, 2026
- Main deity named
- Lord Jimutavahana