Annual · May–June
Also known as Vat Purnima Vrat · Vad Savitri
When it's kept
Recurring or moving vrats are best checked against this month's panchang for the exact next date.
Significance
Vat Savitri is kept by married women praying for their husband's long life and wellbeing, and by some as a prayer for a good marriage. The banyan (vat) tree is worshipped as the site of the vrat's founding legend and for its own long lifespan, a symbol devotees pray to share with their marriage.
The story
The Mahabharata's Vana Parva tells of Savitri, who married Satyavan knowing a sage had foretold his death within the year. When Yama, the god of death, came to take Satyavan's soul under a banyan tree, Savitri followed him on his return journey, answering his questions on dharma so wisely that Yama granted her boons — ultimately, without naming Satyavan directly, a boon of sons that could only be granted if Satyavan lived. Yama honoured his word and restored Satyavan's life.
Rituals
Across India
Kept as Vat Savitri Vrat on Jyeshtha Amavasya across North India (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh), and as Vat Purnima Vrat a fortnight later, on Jyeshtha Purnima, in Maharashtra and Goa — the ritual core (banyan-tree worship, the Savitri-Satyavan story) is identical; only the tithi and the local name differ.
Questions
The Mahabharata places Savitri's confrontation with Yama, the god of death, under a banyan tree, where her devotion won her husband Satyavan's life back. The tree's own long lifespan is also taken as a symbol devotees pray their marriage will share.
They are the same vrat kept on different tithis by regional custom: Vat Savitri falls on Jyeshtha Amavasya in North India, while Vat Purnima falls a fortnight later, on Jyeshtha Purnima, in Maharashtra and Goa.
Primarily married women, praying for their husband's long life and wellbeing; some unmarried women also keep it praying for a good future marriage.
Book a pooja in your name, or check this month’s panchang for the exact next date.
