Women in Tarai districts celebrated Jitiya festival on Friday by performing worship and observing a fast. The festival is observed by married women for protection of their children against accident, misfortune, adversities and any untoward happenings in their family.

Traditionally, the festival was celebrated by women from Tharu community, however as of late, the festival has spread its charm among other Tarai dwellers as well.

It is believed that the festival strengthens the bond between mother and her children.

According to religious texts, the people observing this festival offer their prayers to lord Jitmahan—the son of Sun god. People observing the fast take lord Jitmahan as a symbol of success and reliever of distress.

The festival began on Thursday with devotees purifying themselves after bathing with red mud and oil cake in river, lake or well.

On the second day, the devotees worship by establishing the lord Jitmahan inside their house and observe fasting.

On the third day, the women observe fast and immerse the remains of worhiping stuff into the river early in the morning and break the fast.