Jivitputrika

Jitiya (also known as Jiutiya or Jivitputrika) is a three-day-long ancient Hindu festival celebrated from the seventh to ninth lunar day of Krishna-Paksha in Ashvin month. It is celebrated in Nepal and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. Mothers fast for the well-being of their kids. It is celebrated for eight days in Jharkhand from the first moon day to the eighth moon day in the first half of the Ashvin month.

== Rituals == ===Uttar Pradesh and Bihar=== Jitiya is a three day long festival in this states. Nahai-Khai: This is the first day, where mothers only eat after bathing. The food must be vegetarian, prepared with ghee and pink salt. Khur-Jitiya or Jiviputrika day: This is the second day, where mothers follow strict fasting. This includes not being allowed to drink water. Parana: This is the third day, where mothers break fast. A variety of delicacies are prepared, such as curry rice, noni (portulaca oleracea) saag and marua (Eleusine coracana) roti. In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, a story of a jackal and an eagle is famous. Together with the deity Jiutvahan, people offer prayers in the name of the jackal and the eagle.