A mother’s love, child’s protection and the sacred rules for removing the thread
Table of Contents
Jitiya Vrat is a sacred fast observed by mothers, representing their unconditional devotion, prayers and love for the long life and protection of their children. Woven into this ritual is the sacred Jitiya thread, tied as a visible talisman of maternal protection. Just as important as its tying is its removal and final disposal, which need to be performed with utmost reverence to ensure the fast’s blessings remain.
1. When to Remove the Jitiya Thread
The Jitiya thread is more than a thread; it is infused with the collective energy of prayers, mantras and devotion of the mother. For this reason, it should never be removed hastily. Astrologers emphasize keeping the thread on for at least 24 hours after the fast ends, so that the spiritual power invoked during the fast has time to settle and manifest fully.
In 2025, Jitiya Vrat will begin on September 14 and conclude on September 15. Mothers should continue to wear the thread all through the 15th after breaking their fast and only remove it on September 16. This marks the completion of the ritual cycle and symbolizes the mother’s ongoing vigil over her child’s wellbeing.
2. How to Remove the Jitiya Thread
The removal of the thread is ceremonial. It should be done slowly and reverently, with the mother offering prayers, silently or aloud, for her child’s health, longevity and happiness.
The mother should carry out this act in a calm, devotional state of mind, fully aware that the act is not routine but an expression of transferring protective energy from the physical form of the thread into the child’s life. The moment is one of sacred significance, bridging human effort with divine grace.
3. How to Dispose of the Jitiya Thread
Proper disposal of the thread is crucial. To discard it casually in the trash would be disrespectful. Instead, scriptures and tradition prescribe three main methods:
Immersion in Holy Water: The most auspicious way is to immerse the thread in a river, pond, lake or well. As water is a purifier, this act returns all spiritual energy to the natural world, ensuring divine blessings continue to flow. During immersion, prayers to Lord Jimutavahana, the guardian deity of Jitiya, should be offered for the child’s protection.
Placement under Sacred Trees: If immersion is not feasible, the thread may be reverently tied to or placed at the base of sacred plants such as Tulsi (holy basil) or Peepal trees. These plants embody divine presence and placing the thread there symbolizes surrendering its spiritual power back to nature.
Keeping inside the Prayer Room: Mothers unable to take the thread outside may place it in their home altar. This keeps the thread’s divine vibration preserved within the sacred environment of the house, maintaining its blessings as part of the spiritual atmosphere.
4. Precautions with the Jitiya Thread
- The thread should never be thrown into trash or dirty areas.
- It must not fall or touch the ground, nor be trampled upon.
- Burning the thread is not recommended, as it represents unbroken protection that should return to nature intact.
- Throughout the process, from removal to disposal, the thread must be handled with devotion and care.
5. Spiritual Significance of the Practice
The Jitiya thread is a sacred talisman woven with maternal energy. Its significance goes far beyond material form, it holds the power of vows, fasting and devoted prayers. Every step, timing its removal, careful handling and sacred disposal, underscores the powerful symbolism of a mother’s unwavering love.
This thread binds the child to divinity through the mother’s devotion. By properly removing and respectfully disposing it, the mother ensures the invocation of Jitiya Mata and Lord Jimutavahana continues to shield her child, offering courage, longevity and protection.
In 2025, mothers observing Jitiya should carefully follow this process, wearing the thread through September 15, removing it only on September 16 and disposing it in one of the sacred ways, to maintain the sanctity and blessings of the vrat.
Frequently Asked Questions (English)
Q1: When should the Jitiya thread be removed?
A: It should be worn for a full day after the fast ends (September 15, 2025) and removed only on September 16.
Q2: How should the thread be removed?
A: With reverence and prayers for the child’s wellbeing, carefully unwinding it in a calm and devotional state of mind.
Q3: What are the correct ways to dispose of the thread?
A: It can be immersed in a holy river or natural water source, offered under Tulsi or Peepal trees or preserved in the altar.
Q4: What actions must be avoided with the thread?
A: It must not be burnt, discarded in trash or allowed to touch the ground, as these acts negate its spiritual significance.
Q5: Why is the Jitiya thread spiritually significant?
A: It embodies the mother’s heartfelt prayers, fasting and devotion, transforming into divine protection for her child.
