Gaushala, 4 Â October 2015: The married women of Mithilanchal have formally welcomed the Jitia festival from today. The Maithili married women observe Jitia, one of the major festivals of Mithilanchal, wishing for long life of children and family happiness and prosperity. The festival begins with ‘Nahai-Khai’, as the women eat food (beaten rice, and food item made of mango juice) after a bath.
Mothers observe the Jitia brata (fast) by abstaining from water and food wishing for longevity of their children. The fast begins from very early morning of the second day of the festival ends late morning of the third day. The festival is celebrated on the eighth day (Astami) of Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Asoj in the lunar calendar. The devotees gather at holy rivers and ponds, take bath and listen to story of lord Jitamahan. The olds tell story to the young.
The holy festival which is significant in view of religious and cultural aspects highlights the cultural role and importance of Mithila women, Yalan Sanskrit Bidhyapeeth teacher Dhruba Ray said.
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