Vat Savitri is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated by married women in many parts of India. It is usually falls in May or June. The festival holds immense significance as it commemorates the unwavering devotion and love of Savitri, a legendary figure from Hindu mythology.
According to the ancient epic, the Mahabharata, Savitri was a devoted wife who fought against all odds to save her husband's life. When her husband, Satyavan, was destined to die, Savitri approached Yamaraj, the god of death, and pleaded for his life. Impressed by her loyalty and devotion, Yamaraj granted her a boon, allowing Satyavan to be revived. This tale symbolizes the power of love, determination, and the strength of a woman's character.
On Vat Savitri, married women observe a fast and tie a sacred thread (called a Vat Savitri thread) around a banyan tree. The banyan tree, also known as the Vat Vriksha, represents longevity and the divine blessings for a happy and prosperous married life. Women pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, seeking the blessings of Savitri for a blissful and harmonious married life.
The fast observed on Vat Savitri is rigorous and lasts from sunrise to sunset. Women abstain from food and water, devoting the entire day to prayers, meditation, and performing rituals. They wear traditional attire and adorn themselves with jewelry, expressing their commitment to their marital vows.
The significance of Vat Savitri extends beyond its mythological origins. It serves as a reminder of the values cherished in a marital relationship. The festival highlights the deep bond shared between husbands and wives, emphasizing the importance of loyalty, love, and selflessness.
Vat Savitri provides an opportunity for married women to seek blessings for the well-being of their families, reinforcing the importance of family ties and domestic harmony.
