Grand Celebration of "Jitiya Vrat" at Varanasi

It was our last day in Kashi!! As we sat down for breakfast at Granny's Inn(our homestay); as usual I was looking forward to meet the sisters, the Granny's Ashaji and Arunaji. It was the routine, that they usually sit with us over breakfast.

Also Read-My first homestay experience at Granny Inn-Varanasi

But that day Arunaji not showed up. I was later told by Ashaji that today Arunaji is fasting; as it was Jivitpurika Vrat(Jitiya Vrat). Jitiya Vrat is a 3 day fast, a very strict fast. It's a no water fast(Nirjala Vrat). Jitiya Vrat is one of the main festival celebrated mainly in Nepal and in states of Bihar, Jharkhand and U.P. In further conversation with Ashaji she told me; it's an auspicious day for motherhood, women's from far states comes to Varanasi on this day, to take a dip in Holy Ganga river and pray for the longevity of their sons. Arunaji too fasted for her beloved son Sonuji.

Since it was our last day in Varanasi, we were at ease. After a delightful breakfast at Granny's Inn, we marched towards the Dashaswamedh Ghat. I could see the number of roadways buses lined up. Ladies in large numbers were grouped up together at the ghat; mostly comprising a single male member with them.

Now that's we call "Incredible India" and "Spirit of Festivals"!!!

The Ghat was so alive. The energy was superb. To my surprise, ghat was full to the brim. "Pink" was the colour! Ladies shining in pink sarees, taking dips in Holy water of river Ganga, performing prayers and rituals for the well being and longevity of their sons. It was surely a joyous moment for us to be a part of such a huge festival. Truly, a mother's heart is a deep ocean of love. This festival with all heart conveys mother's never ending and unconditional love and affection towards their children.

Later in late evening we had our train back home. The railway station was jam-packed with ladies passengers; heading back to their respective places after a long day of celebration. It was so difficult to even keep our feet on ground. We were literally hopping from one passenger to another to reach our platform. OMG!!! "The General Compartments of Trains", they were insanely crowded with all the ladiesssss. Somehow, made me so worried that they all reach their homes safely.

P.S-Special Thanks to Granny Ashaji From Granny's Inn.