Even giving up water for the sake of one’s child seems like something out of the world; however, it is precisely because of such stringent conditions that make Jivitputrika Vrat, also called Jitiya Vrat, one of the most challenging fasts. Jitiya is scheduled to fall on October 3, Saturday, in Krishna Paksha Ashtami of 2026. This vrat is observed as nirjala fast; hence, fasting devotees neither consume food nor drink water throughout the vrat period.
However, this is not all about Jitiya. There lies a story behind Jitiya that has made the festival a unique observance. It involves the legend of King Jimutavahana and his selfless sacrifice.
