Jitiya (also known as Jivitputrika) is a three-day Ancient Hindu festival. It starts from the seventh to the ninth lunar day of Krishna-Paksha in Ashvin month. It is celebrated mostly in Nepal’s far western region.
On Wednesday, the Tharu community in Kathmandu gathered to celebrate the Jitiya festival in Rashtriya Nachthe ghar, Jamal. Married women attend this three-day festival with their families. It is profoundly established in Maithili tradition to pray for their children’s safety, prosperity, and longevity.
On the main day, women keep fasting known as nirjala brata. It includes no food or water. The festival included cultural programs highlighting the Tharu community’s unique clothes and customs.
The festival is believed to strengthen the bond between mothers and their children.
