The Jitiya fast holds immense significance for Hindu women in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Nepal. On this day, mothers observe a *Nirjala* fast (a fast without water) for the longevity, good health, and happy lives of their children.

Jitiya (Jitiya Vrat 2026) is also known as 'Jiutiya' and 'Jivitputrika' Vrat. It is observed annually on the *Ashtami* (eighth day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of *Ashwin*. Women intending to observe the Jitiya fast for the first time for the well-being of their children must adhere to certain specific rules.

**Jitiya Vrat on October 3**
This year, the Jitiya fast will be observed on Saturday, October 3, 2026. According to the Hindu calendar, the *Ashtami Tithi* of the *Ashwin Krishna Paksha* begins at 7:59 AM on October 3.

The *Ashtami Tithi* concludes at 5:51 AM on October 4. Based on *Udaya Tithi* (the sunrise date), the Jitiya fast will be observed on Saturday, October 3.

**Rules for Women Observing Jitiya for the First Time**
The Jitiya fast is primarily a three-day observance: the first day is *Nahay-Khay*, the second day involves the *Nirjala* fast, and the third day is for *Paran* (breaking the fast). Let us look at the rules to be followed during these three days.

**Nahay-Khay**
The *Nahay-Khay* ritual for Jitiya Vrat 2026 will take place on Friday, October 2. On this day, women observing the fast should adopt a *Sattvic* diet and lifestyle. It is customary to consume *Noni ka Saag* (purslane greens), *Madua* (finger millet) roti, and a vegetable dish made from pumpkin or bottle gourd (*lauki*).

**Nirjala Vrat**
The *Nirjala* fast (fasting without water) will be observed on the day following *Nahay-Khay*. During this period, women observing the fast must abstain from consuming food and water. On this day, mothers may wake up before sunrise—around 3 AM—to consume a sweet meal or *dahi-chuda* (curd and flattened rice). The *Nirjala* fast (fasting without water) commences at sunrise.

**Paran (Breaking the Fast)**
The fast is broken on the third day only after performing rituals and offering water to the rising sun. In various regions, there is a tradition of consuming specific traditional foods upon breaking the fast.

**Rules for Jitiya Vrat 2026**
During this sacred three-day festival of Jitiya Vrat, observing women pay special attention to cleanliness and purity.

The Jitiya fast is observed without water (*Nirjala*), and no food grains are consumed on this day.

Women observing this fast should avoid getting angry during these three days. They must also refrain from using harsh words or profanity towards their children.

Women observing the fast for the first time should adhere to *Sattvic* principles (purity of diet and conduct) and practice celibacy from the start of the fast until it is broken.

Additionally, one must listen to the legend of the Kite (*Cheel*), the Jackal (*Siyarin*), and Lord Jeetvahan during the Jitiya Vrat. The fast is not considered complete without listening to this story.

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