Vat Savitri is a traditional festival celebrated by married women for the longevity, well-being, and prosperity of their husbands. It is considered as a symbol of love and devotion of the wife to her husband. The festival is hugely celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and Bihar. Vat Savitri is celebrated according to two Hindu lunar calendar - Amanta and Purnimanta. The Northern states of India follow Purnimanta while the Southern states follow Amanta calendar. Western states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa will be celebrating Vat Purnima on June 16.
Significance of Banyan tree (Vat)
Women celebrate Vat Purnima by observing vrat and worshipping vat (banyan tree). Banyan tree holds a special importance on the day, as according to Hindu scriptures, the banyan tree holds the essence of the three gods of Hindu mythology – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The roots represent ‘Brahma’, stem represents ‘Vishnu’ and the upper part of the tree represents ‘Shiva’. While the entire tree represents ‘Savitri’. It is believed that performing puja under the tree and tying a sacred thread around it fulfills all the wishes of the devotees.
According to the popular legend, Savitri got her husband Satyavan from the clutches of death by observing fast on the auspicious day of Vat Purnima.
There is also a tradition to bring home an idol or image of Savitri-Satyavan and Yamraj riding a buffalo and perform puja.
Vat Purnima 2019 Tithi
Purnima tithi begins: 2:01 pm on June 16
Purnima tithi ends: 2 pm on June 17
