Jitiya Vrat 2026: October 3 or 4? Jivitputrika Vrat Kab Hai? Check Date, Puja Muhurat, Nahay-Khay and Parana Time

Jivitputrika Vrat 2026: Quick Takeaways

• Jitiya Vrat 2026 Date: Saturday, October 3
• Nahay-Khay: Friday, October 2
• Main Nirjala Vrat: October 3
• Ashtami Tithi: October 3, around 7:59 AM to October 4, around 5:51 AM
• Main Puja: October 3, during the evening/Pradosh period
• Delhi Pradosh Kaal: approximately 6:05 PM to 8:29 PM
• Parana: Sunday, October 4, after sunrise, following the applicable family/Panchang tradition
• Delhi Sunrise on October 3: 6:15 AM
• Main deity: Raja Jimutavahana
• The festival is particularly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal.

Jitiya Vrat 2026 Kab Hai?

Jitiya Vrat 2026 will be observed on Saturday, October 3.

The vrat falls on Ashwin Krishna Paksha Ashtami. According to the Delhi-based Panchang calculation, Ashtami begins on October 3 at around 7:59 AM and ends on October 4 at around 5:51–5:52 AM. Since the relevant observance falls on October 3, that is the main Jivitputrika Vrat day.

Jivitputrika Vrat 2026: Nahay-Khay, Vrat And Parana Dates

Jitiya Ritual	Date	Day
Nahay-Khay	October 2, 2026	Friday
Othgan/Sargi	Night of October 2	Friday
Jivitputrika/Jitiya Vrat	October 3, 2026	Saturday
Ashtami Tithi Ends	October 4, around 5:51 AM	Sunday
Parana	October 4, after sunrise	Sunday

Jitiya is traditionally observed as a three-day sequence: Nahay-Khay, the main fast and then Parana. Regional customs can differ, particularly regarding the timing and contents of Othgan and Parana.

Jitiya Vrat 2026 Tithi: 3 October Or 4 October?

The main Jitiya Vrat is on October 3, 2026.

The confusion arises because the Ashtami Tithi continues into the early hours of October 4. In Delhi, the Tithi is calculated to begin around 7:59 AM on October 3 and end around 5:51–5:52 AM on October 4. The vrat is observed on October 3, while Parana is performed on October 4 after sunrise according to the relevant tradition.

Jivitputrika Vrat 2026 Puja Muhurat

For New Delhi, the key timings on October 3 are:

• Brahma Muhurat: 4:38 AM–5:26 AM
• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:46 AM–12:34 PM
• Pradosh Kaal: approximately 6:05 PM–8:29 PM
• Sunset: around 6:05 PM

The main Jitiya worship of Jimutavahana and the associated vrat observances is traditionally performed in the evening, with Pradosh Kaal being the relevant period cited for the 2026 Delhi calculation.

Because Panchang timings are location-specific, readers in Patna, Ranchi, Lucknow, Gorakhpur or other cities should check the timings for their own location rather than treating Delhi timings as universal. Drik Panchang also notes that Panchang calculations are created separately for different geographical locations.

Jivitputrika Vrat 2026 Parana Time

Jitiya Vrat Parana will be performed on Sunday, October 4, 2026, after sunrise.

For Delhi, sunrise on October 4 is around 6:15 AM, so the commonly cited Parana window begins after this time. However, families following a specific regional or family Panchang should follow the prescribed Parana timing, particularly because the Ashtami Tithi ends around 5:51–5:52 AM.

The important point for readers is:

Do not open the fast simply at midnight after October 3. Jitiya Parana is performed the next morning after sunrise, according to the applicable tradition.

Some traditions also include offering Arghya to the Sun before eating after the fast.

Jitiya Vrat 2026: What Is Nahay-Khay?

Nahay-Khay will be observed on Friday, October 2, 2026, one day before the main Jitiya fast.

On this day, devotees traditionally:

• Take a ritual bath.
• Clean the home and puja area.
• Prepare and eat the prescribed Sattvic meal.
• Complete preparations for the next day's Nirjala fast.
• Observe the family's customary food restrictions.

The exact Nahay-Khay menu varies by region. Traditional Jitiya foods in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh can include preparations made from ragi/madua, vegetables, rice, curd and other locally customary foods. It is better to treat these as regional traditions rather than universal rules.

What Is Othgan in Jitiya Vrat?

Othgan, also called Othgan/Sargi in some regions, is the final food and water consumed before the Nirjala fast begins.

It is generally observed on the night before the main Jitiya fast. The exact timing varies according to local practice. Some families complete it before the relevant Ashtami Tithi begins, while others follow a customary pre-dawn schedule.

This is particularly important because Jitiya is traditionally observed as a Nirjala fast, meaning food and water are avoided during the main fasting period.

Jitiya Vrat Mein Kis Ki Puja Hoti Hai?

The main deity associated with Jivitputrika Vrat is Raja Jimutavahana.

In many regional traditions, worship also includes representations of the Chil (kite/eagle) and Siyarin (female jackal) associated with the Jitiya Vrat Katha.

Jimutavahana's story is central to the vrat because his act of sacrifice to protect another's child forms the narrative foundation of the observance.

Jivitputrika Vrat Puja Vidhi

The exact ritual varies between communities, but a basic household observance generally includes the following:

1. Complete Nahay-Khay

On October 2, take a bath, clean the puja area and have the customary Nahay-Khay meal.

2. Complete Othgan

Before beginning the strict fast, consume the food and water permitted under the family's tradition.

3. Take the Vrat Sankalp

On October 3, after the morning routine, take the Sankalp for Jivitputrika Vrat.

4. Prepare the Puja

Set up the image or representation of Jimutavahana. In some traditions, figures of the Chil and Siyarin are also prepared using locally customary materials.

5. Offer Puja Samagri

Offer flowers, Akshat, Dhup, Deep and other items prescribed by the family's tradition.

6. Perform the Main Puja

The main worship is performed during the evening, particularly around the Pradosh period.

7. Listen To Jitiya Vrat Katha

The Jivitputrika Vrat Katha centred on Jimutavahana is traditionally recited or heard during the observance.

8. Complete Parana

On October 4, complete the Parana after sunrise according to the applicable Panchang and family tradition.

Jitiya Vrat Katha: Story of Jimutavahana

The central story of Jivitputrika Vrat revolves around Jimutavahana, who is described in traditional accounts as a compassionate and self-sacrificing figure.

According to the popular Katha, a serpent named Shankhachuda was destined to be offered to Garuda. Jimutavahana chose to sacrifice himself in order to save Shankhachuda.

His act of protecting another's life is the central reason his worship became associated with Jivitputrika Vrat. The story is therefore closely connected with the vrat's focus on a mother's prayers for the safety and long life of her children.

The Chil-Siyarin Katha is also associated with Jitiya observances in several regional traditions.

Jitiya Vrat 2026: How Long Is The Fast?

Jivitputrika is traditionally observed as a Nirjala fast, with the fasting period extending through the day and night and ending with Parana the following morning.

For the 2026 Delhi calculation, the relevant sequence runs from the Jitiya day on October 3 to Parana after sunrise on October 4.

However, fasting practices are not medically appropriate for everyone. Pregnant women, people who are unwell, elderly people and anyone with a medical condition should not undertake prolonged fasting without appropriate medical advice. Religious observance should not take precedence over safety.

Jitiya Vrat 2026: What To Eat Before And After The Fast?

Before the fast

During Nahay-Khay and Othgan, families follow their traditional food choices. Depending on the region, these can include:

• Dahi-Chura
• Fruits
• Rice
• Madua/Ragi preparations
• Seasonal vegetables
• Milk or traditional sweets
• Other foods prescribed by family custom

After Parana

The first food after a Nirjala fast should be taken according to the family's tradition and individual tolerance. Many households prepare simple traditional meals and Prasad.

There is no single nationwide Jitiya menu, so an article should avoid presenting one region's food customs as mandatory for every devotee.

Jivitputrika Vrat 2026 Rules

The following are the key practical points readers should know:

• Complete Nahay-Khay on October 2.
• Follow the family's timing for Othgan.
• Observe the main Jitiya fast on October 3.
• Keep the traditional Nirjala fast if your health and family practice permit it.
• Worship Jimutavahana and follow the family's established Puja Vidhi.
• Listen to or recite the Jitiya Vrat Katha.
• Complete Parana on October 4 after sunrise, following the relevant local Panchang.
• Check city-specific timings because sunrise and Muhurat vary by location.
• Do not assume that Delhi timings apply to every Indian city.

Jitiya Vrat 2026 Do's And Don'ts

What To Do

• Complete the Nahay-Khay preparations properly.
• Keep the puja area clean.
• Prepare the required Puja Samagri in advance.
• Listen to the Jivitputrika Vrat Katha.
• Follow the traditional method of worship followed in your family.
• Check the local Panchang for Parana.
• Take adequate food and fluids before the fast begins if your tradition permits them.

What To Avoid

• Do not shift the main vrat to October 4 simply because the Ashtami Tithi continues into the early morning.
• Do not break the fast at midnight without following the prescribed Parana tradition.
• Do not assume that every Jitiya custom followed in Bihar, Jharkhand or eastern Uttar Pradesh is mandatory everywhere.
• Do not undertake a strict Nirjala fast if a medical condition makes prolonged fasting unsafe.
• Do not rely on generic timings from another city when an exact local Panchang is available.

Why Is Jivitputrika Vrat Observed?

Jivitputrika Vrat is traditionally observed by mothers for the long life, health, safety and well-being of their children.

The vrat is particularly associated with Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, while Jitiya/Jiutiya traditions are also followed in parts of Nepal.

The story of Jimutavahana provides the central narrative of sacrifice and protection behind the observance.

Jitiya Vrat 2026 FAQs

1. Jitiya Vrat 2026 kab hai?
   Jitiya Vrat 2026 is on Saturday, October 3. It falls on Ashwin Krishna Paksha Ashtami.
2. Jitiya Vrat 2026 mein Nahay-Khay kab hai?
   Nahay-Khay is on Friday, October 2, 2026, one day before the main Jitiya fast.
3. Jitiya Vrat 2026 Puja Muhurat kya hai?
   For Delhi, the Pradosh period is approximately 6:05 PM to 8:29 PM on October 3, and the main Jitiya worship is traditionally associated with the evening period. Abhijit Muhurat is approximately 11:46 AM to 12:34 PM.