Jitiya (Tharu)
जितिया पर्व
October 4, 2026 · Ashoj 18, 2083 BS
Terai region (Tharu and Maithili communities)
Plan a trip around Jitiya (Tharu)History & origin
Centers on the story of Jimutavahana, a compassionate prince who offered his own life in place of a boy about to be devoured by Garuda, moving the bird to spare all future victims — women fast in his honor, invoking the same protective devotion for their own children.
How it’s celebrated
Women observe a rigorous fast, in some traditions without water, across the three-day cycle, gathering with female relatives to share the fast, recite the Jitiya legend and break the fast together at its conclusion. Women often return to their parents' home for the observance.
Tips for visitors
One of the most important annual observances for Tharu and Maithili women — expect fasting-related gatherings and storytelling sessions among women's groups in the Terai around this date.
Related journeys — Living Traditions
Living Traditions Nepal
A seven-day community-based journey learning from local hosts and traditional knowledge-holders, built around consent and fair payment to the communities involved.
Tharu Community Immersion, Chitwan
A five-day community-hosted journey with the Tharu people of Chitwan, combining traditional food, dance and daily life with time in Chitwan's lowland nature.
Sherpa Village Life, Solukhumbu
A six-day community-hosted journey in the lower Solukhumbu region, with time in Sherpa homes and monasteries away from the main Everest trekking corridor.
Didn't find quite the right fit?
Any journey here can be adapted, or we can build one from scratch around what actually matters to you — the traditions, pace, dates, group size and budget. Tell us what you have in mind and our team will put together a curated proposal.
Curate My Journey