The Jiutiya festival celebrated in Daudnagar during the dark fortnight of Ashwin month is unique in itself. Until a few years ago, it used to be celebrated for nine days. Now it is celebrated for three-four days. This festival has started with Nahai Khay on Tuesday. It is also the identity of the historical, religious and cultural heritage of Daudnagar. Among the people dressed in different costumes on the streets, some become Sultana Daaku, while some take the form of red-black fairy. These are called imitations or copycats of Jiutiya. The costumes and presentation are such that it is difficult to differentiate between the original and the copy. According to folklore, this festival is being celebrated in Daudnagar since Vikram Samvat 1917. This festival was first celebrated by Haricharan and Tulsi in Kasera Toli by placing a mortar in Vikram Samvat 1917. But according to the elders, the people of Patwa caste who came from Tirhut, Jharkhand started it in Patwa Toli Imlital 20 to 30 years before 1917. That is, Jivitiya is being celebrated in Daudnagar for almost two hundred years. According to mythological texts, when the Mahabharata war ended, mothers worshipped Lord Jimutvahan to protect their sons from the terror of demons. Jivita-Putrika Vrat is celebrated on Ashtami of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, September.
Worship of mortar is important
Jitbandhan mortar is kept at many crossings in Daundnagar, where women worship. Since ancient times, there is a tradition of worshiping by keeping a wooden mortar, but now brass mortar is also being kept. Mothers pray near this mortar after fasting and pray for the long life of their sons. Presently, a Jimutvahan temple has been constructed. There are four Jimutvahan temples in Daundnagar, Patwatoli Imli Tar, Kasera Toli, Main Chowk and Purana Shahar Chowk. Here devotees enjoy cultural programs throughout the night.
Amazing performance
During Jiutiya in Daudnagar, the youth perform amazing feats every day. People are mesmerized by the art shown by the local artists. Be it inserting a knife in the body, holding a hot iron rod with the hands, setting fire to the head, Mudhi Katwa, people are left awestruck by the presentation. To encourage these arts, mimicry competitions are also organized for which preparations have been completed. They are honored by organizing competitions at many places including Imli Tar Vidyarthi Chainata Parishad, Bronze-carrying Panchayat Samiti in Kasera Toli, Puranashahr Joda Mandir Gyan Deep Samiti, Ekta Sangh at Ghulam Seth. Dhan Bhag Re Jiutiya, Tora Aile Jiyara Nehal Jiutiya… Je Aile Man Hulsaule Nau Din Kaile Behal Jiutiya… This Jhumar song sung by women in groups is echoing these days at every major square and intersection from Maulabagh of Daudnagar to the old city.
