THE FESTIVAL of Jivitputrika was celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety in Varanasi on Thursday. Mothers observed fast for prosperity and longevity of their sons.
It is a belief that by observing fast, the mothers protect their sons from untimely demise. It is also said that King Jimuti had freed his subjects from a dangerous demon who used to eat flesh of youths.
Mothers started their fast in the wee hours of Thursday which will continue till wee hours of Friday. It is one of the toughest fast in Hindu religion in which women do not take even a single drop of water.
Women thronged different ghats and took holy dip in the Ganga to mark the occasion. They also took bath in religious ponds today. They prayed to god for the well-being of their sons and heard the story of King Jimuti depicting the importance of observing fast on the festival of Jivitputrika. Mothers also tied pious thread of Jivitputrika for the well- being of their sons.
A large number of makeshift shops of garlands, fruits and others worship items had been set up in several localities including Lanka, Assi, Gaudaulia, Chetganj etc. Fruit prices also shot up.