Vat Savitri

Vat Savitri, or Vat Purnima is a Hindu festival, falls on the full moon day on the month of Jyeshtha according to the Hindu Calendar. This usually falls in the month of May or June in the Gregorian calendar. 

It is observed by married women to pray for the well-being and long lives of husbands. 

Usually observed in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, etc., the festival is a symbol of devotion inspired  by the story of Savitri and Satyavan.

The Story Behind Vat Savitri

The story behind the festival is deep-rooted in history and goes back to the legend of Savitri, who brought her husband back from death. 

Savitri was a princess who married the son of a blind king in exile, Satyavan. 

Sage Narada informed Savitri that Satyavan would die within a year.  But, she remained adamant to marry Satyavan.

She married Satyavan and lived in the forest with him and his parents.

Satyavan's death were predetermined and three days before the aforementioned date, Savitri took a strict vow of prayer and fasting. 

On the determined date, Satyavan collapsed and fell down under a banyan tree while chopping wood and passed away.

When the god of death, Yama, came to take Satyavan's soul, Savitri followed him to death's door. 

Impressed by her devotion, Yama granted her multiple wishes, except for Satyavan’s life. Cleverly, she wished for children with Satyavan, leaving Yama no choice but to revive him.

As a result, Satyavan came back to life, and his father regained both his eyesight and kingdom

The Three-Day Festival of Devotion

Vat Savitri is celebrated for three days with rituals filled with devotion as women observe a three-day-long past praying for their spouses' long life, good health, and sacred rituals.

They make complex designs of the banyan tree, Yama, Savitri and Satyavan at home using rice and sandalwood paste. 

The banyan tree symbolizes strength and longevity and women and women gather around it, tie white threads around its trunk, and offer prayers.

Another key ritual involves placing golden engravings of Savitri and Satyavan in a tray of sand, offering fruits and a coconut, and chanting sacred mantras.

They also exchange traditional greetings, saying “Janma Savitri Ho” which translates to become a Savitri,

Dressed in fine sarees and jewelry, women embrace the occasion with reverence and celebration.