• The Itu Puja is an orally transmitted vrata (sacred vow) traditionally told and performed by the senior female members of Bengali Hindu households to pass down wisdom to junior members. A vrata involves strict self-denial and austerities—such as fasting—which act as a signal to the deity of the worshipper's faith and devotion. Because society historically placed immense expectations on women, this ritual and its accompanying storytelling act as a vital method to teach young women self-control, survival skills, and how intelligent behavior ultimately leads to material and social success.

• The ceremonial vow strictly begins on Kartick Sankranti (the very last day of the Bengali month of Kartick), and the regular household worship is then performed early every Sunday morning exclusively throughout the following harvest month of Agrahayan (November–December). The women of the household must observe a strict morning fast, breaking it only after the ritual and story are completed. During this period, participants traditionally abstain from eating meat and fish.

The Itu puja ritual is performed intimately at home by the women of the household.

• Step 1 - The Fast & Preparation: The women of the household wake up early and observe a strict fast. They establish the twin Brass Ghats on the Red Asan, filling them with grains to represent the deity.
• Step 2 - The Offerings: The women lovingly decorate the pots and the floor using the traditional Khari Mati clay. They apply the Red/White Chandan and Sindur, and light the earthen lamps using the Mustard Oil and Cotton Wicks.
• Step 3 - The Bengali Folk Rhyme: Instead of chanting Sanskrit mantras, the women and children gather around the shrine holding the 8 types of grains (Asta Karai) and recite the traditional Bengali folk rhyme to invoke the deity. The family recites:
• Step 4 - The Vrata Katha (The Tale of Itu): The senior female members narrate the sacred story of the two sisters, Umno and Jhumno. The tale teaches the younger generation how devotion, humility, and keeping one's vows lead to immense rewards.
• Step 5 - Breaking the Fast: Only after the story is completely told, and the air is purified with the Pure Camphor, do the women joyfully break their Sunday morning fast.

•  • Wealth and Fertility: The traditional Bengali rhyme explicitly promises that whoever hears or recites the Katha(tale) of Itu will be blessed by the deity with money and children.
•  • Elevation of the Extended Family: The folklore strictly assures that through the devoted performance of this ritual, the extended family of both the parents and the in-laws will ascend to the heavens in a chariot.
•  • Feminine Empowerment: The ritual actively teaches women that self-discipline—such as controlling one's appetites to fast—is a vital skill for maintaining one's bargaining position and achieving upward social mobility.

• The MySanatan Itu Household Puja Kit provides exactly what women need to perform this beautiful oral tradition perfectly! By specifically including the authentic Asta Karai (Eight Grains), we have meticulously honored the exact instructions laid out in the traditional Bengali folk rhymes. Whether you are establishing your grain-filled brass pots or narrating the tale of Umno and Jhumno to your children, this kit ensures your family can celebrate the harvest Vrata with profound devotion, cultural pride, and uncompromising authenticity!