Vat Savitri Vrat is observed on the day of Jyeshtha Amavasya. This year, Amavasya begins on 26th May at 12:11 PM and ends on 27th May at 8:31 AM. However, the Vat Savitri fast will be observed on 26th May itself.According to Celebrity Astrologer Parduman Suri, the Vat Savitri fast is rooted in the legendary tale of Savitri, who pleaded with Yamraj (the God of Death) to restore her husband Satyavan’s life after his untimely death. Deeply moved by her unwavering devotion and determination, Yamraj granted her wish and brought Satyavan back to life. Since then, this festival has been celebrated by married women as a symbol of devotion, strength, and marital fidelity.
Rituals and Beliefs
On this sacred day, as per Astrologer Suri, women bathe early in the morning, adorn themselves with the 16 Shringar (solah shringar), and perform a special puja. A key ritual involves tying seven threads of raw yarn or sacred thread (kalawa) around a banyan tree (Vat Vriksha). Worshipping the banyan tree is considered essential to the Vat Savitri Vrat for two primary reasons:
- According to Hindu belief, the Holy Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva)—reside within the banyan tree.
- It was beneath a banyan tree that Savitri confronted Yamraj and implored him to restore her husband’s life.
Listening to or reciting the story of Savitri and Satyavan is also an important tradition on this day. Married women observe a strict nirjala vrat (a waterless fast), which is believed to bring unbroken marital bliss, longevity for the husband, and overall prosperity in the household. Additionally, devotees traditionally donate a water-filled earthen pot, symbolizing life and nourishment. Lord Vishnu is also worshipped during the vrat. Offering puri (fried bread), chana (gram), and pua (a sweet dish) to the deity and later consuming it as prasada is considered highly auspicious.
Things to Do on Vat Savitri
- Begin the puja by meditating on Lord Brahma and his consort Savitri.
- Invoke Goddess Savitri with Satyavan and Lord Yama.
(The traditional gesture of invocation is made by joining both palms together and folding the thumbs inward.) - Pray to Lord Vishnu for your husband’s long life, the wellbeing of your children, and overall happiness.
- After completing the puja, donate fruits and other essentials to those in need.
- Finally, worship the banyan tree by circumambulating it and tying the sacred threads.
Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India, including daily horoscopes for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
