Women of Tharu and Madhesi communities in the Terai region of Nepal observe the indigenous festival Jitiya fast today. Women fast for a day without water and food worshipping God for the longevity, good health, success and well-being of their offspring, especially when they have sons. The festival falls on the eighth day of the waning moon in the Nepali month of Ashwin as per the lunar calendar. On the previous day of observing a Jitiya fast, women feast on Ogatan and nauni saag and they take a holy bath in nearby rivers, ponds or lakes.

President of Nepal Ramchandra Paudel said indigenous festivals such as the Jitiya festival would promote mutual respect, goodwill and a sense of tolerance, thereby protecting the diversity of Nepal. In his message on the occasion of the Jitiya festival today, President Paudel called for all to unite to preserve peculiar Nepali cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav in his message on the occasion said that the festivals we celebrate help us connect our customary values and norms to the present day. It also contributes to strengthening our family relations and consolidating social structures and unity.