Jitiya Festival Underway Across Mithilanchal and Tharu Communities
Janakpur — The three-day Jitiya festival, observed with deep cultural reverence by the Maithil and Tharu communities, has officially begun today across the Madhesh Province and the broader Mithilanchal region.
Considered one of the most rigorous fasts undertaken by women in Mithila, the festival centers around strict vows for the longevity, health, and prosperity of children, as well as overall family peace. Early this morning, fasting devotees observed the traditional Ongthan ritual—consuming offerings including curd, beaten rice, jaggery, and bananas—before embarking on an unbroken fast lasting until Sunday evening.
Local cultural customs dictate extreme caution during the fast, as popular belief holds that belching, clearing the throat, or accidentally biting one's tongue renders the vow incomplete.
As part of the evening rituals before sunset, women gather near rivers, ponds, and lakes for ceremonial bathing and worship before coming together in central village spaces with offerings of bananas, beaten rice, curd, and sugar to listen to the traditional legendary tale of Jitmahan.
On the second day of the fast, women wake up early to craft symbolic bows from wood-apple (bel) leaves corresponding to the number of their brothers. They then carry jakur (a black gram delicacy) and ritual items to the river for bathing and prayers. Upon returning home, they purify their kitchen floors with cow dung and prepare meals of curd, beaten rice, bananas, sugar, and milk. Only after the fasting women have eaten do other family members partake in the meal. Through these shared customs and spiritual devotion, the Jitiya festival continues to play a vital role in unifying families and the wider community.
