Jitendra Pushp/Rampur (Jharkhand)

In a small village of Rampur, Jharkhand 70-year-old Gujari Devi observes Jitiya fast for the well being, long life and happy life of her Muslim son Enul Ansari.

After the death of her husband Ratan Rajak, the childless Gujari Devi adopted Manik Rajak as her son. Back then Manik hnd Enul were good friends and Gujri Devi took both of them as her sons. This year, Jivitputrika Vrat or Jitiya Vrat will be observed on September 25.

This significant fast is celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh for the longevity of children. Women observe a 24-hour fast offering prayers to Jimutavahana and Lord Surya with dedication and tie a “raksha-sutra” on the hands of their children to protect them from problems.

Gujri Devi says since she treats both as her sons she must observe fast for Manik and Enul.

On Wednesday, on the Ashtami Tithi, Gujari Devi tied a Raksha Sutra to both her sons and wished them a long life before breaking the fast. Gujari Devi says, "It never came to my mind that Enul is from another religion. He has always been a son to me."

Enul also treats Gujari Devi like his mother. He visits Gujari Devi's house on family festivals and pays his respects to her and seeks her blessings. Enul says, "Gujari Devi never made me feel any I was different. She gave me love and care like her own son."

Gujri says that due to the deep friendship between the two, I have always loved them like my own sons. If both are friends, they should always be happy, healthy and long-lived so that their friendship remains equally intact. That is why in Hindu festivals, both Manik and Anul are treated equally.

This tradition has been going on for the past 35 years. Gujri Devi says that Enul has now become a father, but to her he remains a child who needs mother’s prayers,

Gujri Devi calls refers to him as her son. Enul also treats Gujri Devi like a mother.

Presently Enul lives some distance away from the village at Rampur turn, but during festivals he leaves his work and helps the women.

During Durga Puja he goes to their house and touches their feet like a Hindu son and accepts their blessings and prasad.

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He says that even though she did not give birth to him from her womb, she received a lot of love. When he was small, she used to feed him a lot. "She is a mother to us and she has left no stone unturned in loving and treating us well."