There are various fasts and rituals associated with married Indian women, which they observe, especially for the health and success of their husbands. One of these is the Vat Savitri puja. Married women in almost every part of India celebrate Vat Savitri Puja with great zeal and devotion.
According to the Purnimanta calendar, the festival is celebrated on Jyeshtha Amavasya, which also happens to coincide with Shani Jayanti. The Amanta calendar observes Vat Savitri Vrat, also called Vat Purnima Vrat, on Jyeshtha Purnima.
Since the Amanta calendar is followed by the southern part of India, married women in Maharashtra, Gujarat and other South Indian states observe Vat Savitri Vrat on Jyeshtha Purnima i.e. 15 days later than in North India.
Tithic
Vat Savitri Vrat Purnimanta Calendar – May 30, Monday.
Amavasya tithi starts on May 29 at 2:54 PM
Amavasya tithi ends – 4:59 PM on May 30
Vat Savitri Vrat Amanta Calendar – June 14, Tuesday.
Purnima tithi starts on June 13th at 9:02 PM
Purnima tithi ends on June 14th at 5:21 PM
Meaning
Married Indian women observe the festival to ensure the health and longevity of their husbands and children. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Devi Savitri convinced Lord Yamaraja, the God of Death, to restore Satyawan, her husband’s life. Lord Yamaraja was so moved by her devotion that he returned her dead husband. On this day, married women pray in front of the ‘Vat’ tree (Bargad), and Savitri is also celebrated as Devi Savitri.
Ritual
Women get up early in the morning, take a bath and dress in traditional clothes with all the decorations. They fast for the health and well-being of their husbands. They seek afternoon blessings by bowing to their husbands and older family members.
On this day, Savitri, considered a goddess incarnate, and Vat or Banyan trees are worshipped. Then all the women in the area gather at a temple with a Banyan or Vat tree. Ladies traditionally sprinkle holy Ganga water over the tree and wrap red threads around it 108 times while wishing their husbands longevity.
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