In the small village of Rampur, Jharkhand, 70-year-old Gujari Devi observes the Jitiya fast for the well-being and long life of her son, Enul Ansari, who is Muslim. After the death of her husband, Ratan Rajak, Gujari Devi adopted Manik Rajak as her son. Manik and Enul were good friends, and Gujari Devi loved both of them equally. This year, the Jivitputrika Vrat, also known as Jitiya Vrat, will be celebrated on September 25. This important fast is mainly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh to pray for the longevity of children.
Meaning of Jitiya Vrat
During the Jitiya fast, women observe a 24-hour fast, offering prayers to Jimutavahana and Lord Surya. They tie a “raksha-sutra” on the hands of their children to protect them from harm. Gujari Devi believes that since she treats both Manik and Enul as her sons, she must observe the fast for both of them. On Wednesday, during the Ashtami Tithi, she tied a Raksha Sutra on both her sons’ wrists and wished them a long life before breaking her fast. Gujari Devi says, “It never came to my mind that Enul is from another religion. He has always been a son to me.”
Bond Beyond Religion
Enul also sees Gujari Devi as his mother. He visits her house during family festivals, pays his respects, and seeks her blessings. Enul shares, “Gujari Devi never made me feel different. She gave me love and care like her own son.” Gujari Devi explains that because of the deep friendship between Manik and Enul, she has always loved them both like her own sons. She believes that if both are friends, they should always be happy, healthy, and live long lives to keep their friendship strong. This tradition has been going on for the past 35 years. Gujari Devi says that even though Enul is now a father, to her, he will always be a child who needs a mother’s prayers. She continues to call him her son, and Enul treats her like a mother.
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