Vat Savitri (Vat Purnima)

Vat Purnima Vrat is one of the most important Hindu women's holidays, especially for those who are married. Married ladies commemorate Vat Purnima Vrat on this day to pray for their husbands' health and longevity. However, the fast is observed on both Amavasya and Purnima days.

History

The tales are based on a narrative from the Mahabharata period. Asvapati, the childless monarch, and his consort Malavi yearn for a son. Finally, the God Savitr arrives and informs him that he will have a daughter shortly. The king is ecstatic at the idea of having a kid.

Significance

As a result, married women in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other southern Indian states observe Vat Savitri Vrat 15 days later than married women in northern India. In all calendars, however, the narrative behind fasting is the identical. According to mythology, the magnificent Savitri deceived Lord Yama, the Lord of Death, and forced Him to return her husband Satyawan's life.

Deity

'Trimurtis', representing Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva.

Ritual (pooja, vrat etc.)

Devotees observe fast and visit a place with a Banyan tree (Vat Vrishka) to do puja

After offering prayers, women offer rice, flowers, and water to the Banyan tree and then perform Parikrama (take rounds) around the tree while reciting prayers

Devotees also cook bhog on Vat Purnima day.

After the puja, Prasad is served to all family members.

Devotees are required to make donations and conduct charitable acts on this day..

As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Vat (Banyan) tree stands for 'Trimurtis', representing Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva.

Celebrations

According to Hindu legend, Savitri deceived Lord Yama (the God of Death) so that he had no choice but to resurrect her spouse, Satyawan. This occurrence became well-known, and married women began praying in a similar manner for their husbands' long lives. Women who follow this fast bathe first thing in the morning and change into new clothing. They wear sindoor and bangles for shringaar. Many ladies also apply henna to their hands and dress up in heavy jewellery for the event. According to tradition, people who observe this fast must also remain celibate for the duration of the day.
The women do puja under a banyan tree during the shubhmuhurat of the day.They set Satyavan and Savitri statues as part of the ceremony and present vermillion, fruit and other items. The banyan tree is then fed flowers, rice, water, gramme seeds and special meals.
After the puja has been completed, the fasting ladies tie the red and yellow thread around the tree trunk while paricrama is being done. You repeat, or hear Satyavan and Savitri's narrative to finish the puja of the day. The prasad was thereafter spread over everybody.

Best places to experience/ Mela

North India and in the Western Indian states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Bihar

Date & Time

According to the purnimanta calendar, Vat Savitri Vrat is observed during Jyeshtha Amavasya. As per Amanta calendar, Vat Savitri Vrat, which is also called Vat Purnima Vrat, is observed during Jyeshtha Purnima.