Celebrated in the Jyestha month of the Hindu calendar, the Vat Savitri Puja is one of the important festivals amongst the Hindus. Women offer the Vat Savitri Puja for their husband’s long life. The festival is similar to the Karwa Chauth which is celebrated by Indian women. Vat Savitri Puja is celebrated among women in North India as well as the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Karnataka. 

History Of Vat Purnima

Vat Savitri Puja also known as Vat Purnima is celebrated because of the acclaimed legend of Savitri and her dedication to her husband. Savitri was born to King Asvapati and Malavi. The name Savitri was given to her by her parents after being blessed by God Savitr. Savitri was not only considered extremely beautiful but she was also known for her sharp mindset. This is why most of the men were intimidated by her. Due to this, it was difficult for King Asvapati to find a groom for her so he gave up on it. One day, Savitri went on to find a husband for herself when she came across Satyavan in the forest. Satyavans father was in exile at that time and had also lost his eye sight. Savitri fell in love with Satyavan and found him worthy of getting married to. 

When she went to her home to give the good news to her father, Narada who was present there prophesized the death of Satyavan. Despite that, Savitri was firm in her decision to marry Satyavan. As the days before Satyavans death neared, she started offering prayers and kept a fast for her husband’s long life. Unfortunately, none of her efforts worked and Satyavan passed away according to the prophecy. Savitri was struck by the death of her husband. When he passed away, Satyavans body was lying beneath a Banyan tree. When Yama Raj (God of Death) approached to collect Satyavan’s soul, Savitri was rigid about letting go of her husband. Looking at her stubbornness, Yama Raj negotiated with Savitri saying that he would grant her three boons after which he would take Satyavans soul. Savitri agreed to this negotiation. Firstly, she asked for eyesight and a kingdom for her father-in-law. Secondly, she asked him to bless her parents with children as she was their only child. Lastly, she asked him to grant children to her with Satyavan. This boon left Yama Raj in a dilemma making him allow Satyvan to live. 

Celebrating The Vat Savitri 

The Vat Savitri Puja is celebrated as a reflection of Savitri’s affection as a wife. On the day of the Purnima, women offer prayers along with fasting the whole day for the long life of their husbands. Additionally, unmarried girls also observe fast in the prospect of praying for their future husbands. 

The festival is celebrated on a full moon day. Women begin the fast by waking up early in the morning. As part of the festival, women offer prayers to Lord Surya along with arghya which is the food offered to the deity. While fasting for the long lives of their husbands, the women are told to follow certain dos and don’ts to ensure the festival is being celebrated religiously. 

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The Dos of Vat Savitri Puja 

Although the practices of the Vat Savitri Puja differ from place to place, the festival has certain rules on what needs to be done on the day. As part of the rituals, women don in traditional wear like sarees and replicate the elements in the sola shringhar. The Sola shringhar are the 16 signs of a married woman including sindoor, mangalsutra, bangles, and so on. Like other types of fasting, this one eliminates the consumption of food as well as drinking water. Typically, the fast begins in the early morning and ends after the moon appears. The ritual is practiced by women making an offering of bhog along with fruits under the banyan tree. A ceremonial thread is tied around the banyan tree signifying the promise of a long life for her husband. The women break their fast by consuming satvik foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, pulses, and so on. 

The Donts of Vat Savitri Puja

On the day of the puja, it is considered inauspicious to wear colors like black, white, and blue according to some cultures. As the day is all about prayers and fast, women are said to refrain from getting into any sort of argument with anyone. Cutting hair is forbidden on the day of the fast. Consuming tamasi food meaning meat, poultry, and fish is to be avoided on the day. Just remember to stay calm on the day of the fast and prepare for the day well in advance.