Vat Savitri 2024: Date, Time, Puja Rituals, Story and Significance

Vat Savitri Puja 2024 is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily by married women. This sacred observance will be held on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Jyeshtha month, which falls on June 6, 2024. The main purpose of this festival is for women to pray and fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, drawing inspiration from the legendary tale of Savitri and Satyavan. This story symbolizes unwavering devotion and the power of a wife’s love and determination.

During Vat Savitri Puja, women perform rituals around the Banyan tree, known as Vat Vriksha, which is considered a symbol of longevity and resilience. They tie threads around the tree, offer prayers, and listen to or recite the story of Savitri, who brought her husband back to life through her devotion and perseverance. The tree itself represents stability and the enduring bond between husband and wife, making it an integral part of the festivities.

The celebration of Vat Savitri Puja includes fasting, where women abstain from food and water for the day, dedicating their prayers to their husband’s health and prosperity. This act of fasting is seen as a testament to their love and commitment, reinforcing the cultural values of fidelity and marital devotion. The rituals performed during this festival are believed to strengthen the marital bond and bring blessings to the family.

Vat Savitri Puja 2024 will be a time for married women to come together, share their prayers, and celebrate the strength and sanctity of their marital relationship. It is a day of collective faith, where the community of women supports and uplifts each other through shared traditions and spiritual practices. This festival not only honors the legacy of Savitri but also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love, faith, and dedication in marital life.

Meaning of Vat Savitri

Vat Savitri, also known as Vat Purnima or Savitri Puja, is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily by married women in various parts of India. The term “Vat” refers to the Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), and “Savitri” is the name of a legendary heroine from Hindu mythology.

The festival is observed on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Jyeshtha month, which typically falls in May or June according to the Hindu lunar calendar. During Vat Savitri, women fast and pray for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands. The ritual involves tying threads around the trunk of the Banyan tree, offering prayers, and listening to or reciting the story of Savitri.

The legend of Savitri revolves around her unwavering devotion and determination to save her husband Satyavan from the clutches of death. Despite numerous obstacles, including confronting Yama, the god of death, Savitri’s steadfast love and wit ultimately triumph, and she succeeds in bringing Satyavan back to life. Her story serves as a symbol of marital fidelity, love, and sacrifice.

The Banyan tree holds special significance in Vat Savitri Puja as it symbolizes stability, longevity, and the eternal bond between husband and wife. Women worship the tree as a manifestation of divine energy and seek blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their spouses.

Overall, Vat Savitri is a festival that celebrates the sanctity of marriage and the enduring devotion of wives towards their husbands, as exemplified by the legendary tale of Savitri and Satyavan.

Why Vat Savitri is Celebrated?

Vat Savitri is celebrated primarily to honor the devotion and sacrifice of Savitri, a legendary figure from Hindu mythology. According to the mythological story, Savitri was a devoted wife who bravely fought against Yama, the god of death, to save her husband Satyavan’s life. She used her intelligence, determination, and unwavering love to persuade Yama to spare Satyavan’s life. Impressed by her dedication and righteousness, Yama granted her wish, and Satyavan was revived.

The festival of Vat Savitri is observed by married women who fast and pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, following the example of Savitri. Women tie threads around the trunk of the Banyan tree, known as the Vat Vriksha, and offer prayers for the prosperity and happiness of their spouses. The Banyan tree symbolizes stability, longevity, and the eternal bond between husband and wife.

Vat Savitri is also celebrated to reinforce the importance of marital fidelity, love, and sacrifice in Hindu culture. It serves as a reminder of the power of devotion and the lengths to which a devoted wife would go to protect and preserve her husband’s life. Through the rituals and prayers performed during this festival, married women seek divine blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their families.

Overall, Vat Savitri is celebrated to commemorate the selfless love and devotion of Savitri towards her husband, as well as to uphold the sanctity of marriage and family life in Hindu tradition. It is a festival that honors the virtues of loyalty, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment between spouses.

Vat Savitri (Vat Purnima) Significance

Vat Savitri, also known as Vat Purnima, holds significant cultural and religious importance in Hindu tradition, particularly for married women. The festival is observed on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Jyeshtha month, which typically falls in May or June according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Here are some key significances associated with Vat Savitri:

1. Celebration of Marital Bond: Vat Savitri celebrates the sacred bond between husband and wife. It is a time for married women to express their devotion, love, and commitment to their husbands. The festival highlights the importance of marital fidelity and the role of women as devoted partners in Hindu society.
2. Communal Prayer and Support: Vat Savitri brings together married women in communities to observe rituals and prayers collectively. Women fast and perform various rituals around the Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha), seeking divine blessings for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The communal aspect of the festival fosters a sense of solidarity and support among women.
3. Remembrance of Savitri’s Devotion: The festival is named after Savitri, a legendary heroine from Hindu mythology renowned for her unwavering devotion to her husband, Satyavan. Savitri’s courage, determination, and selflessness in saving her husband’s life from Yama, the god of death, serve as an inspiration for married women. Vat Savitri honors her exemplary devotion and sacrifices.
4. Symbolism of the Banyan Tree: The Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha) holds symbolic significance in Vat Savitri Puja. Women tie threads around the tree’s trunk, symbolizing the eternal bond between husband and wife. The tree represents stability, longevity, and the nurturing presence of nature. Worshipping the Banyan tree is believed to bring blessings and prosperity to married life.
5. Renewal of Vows and Prayers: Vat Savitri is a time for married couples to reaffirm their marital vows and commitments. Women fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and water, while praying for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their husbands. The rituals performed during Vat Savitri Puja are believed to strengthen the marital bond and bring divine blessings to the family.

Overall, Vat Savitri (Vat Purnima) holds deep cultural and religious significance as a festival that celebrates marital love, devotion, and the sacred bond between husband and wife. It serves as a time for reflection, prayer, and communal celebration within Hindu communities, emphasizing the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual support in married life.

Vat Savitri Vrat Date and Time

• Amavasya Tithi Begins – June 5, 2024 – 07:54 PM
• Amavasya  Tithi Ends – June 6, 2024 – 06:07 PM

Vat Savitri (Vat Purnima) Story (Katha)

The story of Vat Savitri, also known as the Vat Savitri Vrat Katha, is a revered tale from Hindu mythology that highlights the virtues of love, devotion, and sacrifice. It revolves around the central characters of Savitri, a devoted wife, and her husband Satyavan.

Once upon a time, there lived a princess named Savitri, known for her beauty, intelligence, and unwavering devotion to her husband. She chose Satyavan, a noble prince but destined to die within a year, as her life partner. Despite knowing about Satyavan’s impending fate, Savitri chose to marry him out of love and devotion.

As the year passed, Savitri remained devoted to her husband, accompanying him wherever he went. One day, while Satyavan was collecting wood in the forest, he suddenly felt unwell and laid down near a tree. Yama, the god of death, appeared to take Satyavan’s soul as it was time for him to die.

Seeing Yama approaching, Savitri pleaded with him to spare her husband’s life. Yama, impressed by Savitri’s devotion and righteousness, offered her any boon except the life of Satyavan. Savitri cleverly asked for the welfare and prosperity of her in-laws, ensuring that her husband’s lineage would flourish even if he were to pass away.

Yama granted Savitri’s wish but insisted on taking Satyavan’s soul with him. Undeterred, Savitri followed Yama as he took Satyavan’s soul, refusing to leave her husband’s side. Impressed by Savitri’s determination and steadfast love, Yama granted her three more boons.

Savitri, using her wisdom, asked for the return of Satyavan’s sight, kingdom, and progeny. Yama, bound by his word, had no choice but to grant her wishes and restore Satyavan’s life. Satyavan woke up as if from a deep slumber, and together they returned home.

The story of Savitri and Satyavan illustrates the power of love, devotion, and righteousness. Savitri’s unwavering dedication and cleverness in dealing with Yama ensured the revival of her husband’s life. Vat Savitri Puja is celebrated to honor Savitri’s sacrifice and to seek blessings for marital harmony, longevity, and prosperity. It serves as a reminder of the strength of love and the sacred bond between husband and wife in Hindu culture.

Vat Savitri Puja Vidhi

Vat Savitri Puja, also known as Vat Purnima Vrat, is observed with great devotion by married women who fast and perform rituals to pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Here is a general outline of the Vat Savitri Puja Vidhi:

1. Selecting the Date: Vat Savitri Puja is typically observed on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Jyeshtha month, which usually falls in May or June according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Women start preparing for the puja a few days in advance.
2. Preparation: On the day of the puja, women wake up early in the morning before sunrise and take a bath. They wear traditional attire and adorn themselves with jewelry. The puja area is cleaned and decorated with flowers, rangoli, and other auspicious items.
3. Fasting: Women observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset on the day of Vat Savitri Puja. They abstain from consuming food and water throughout the day as a mark of devotion and sacrifice for their husbands’ well-being.
4. Puja Rituals: After completing the morning rituals and prayers, women gather around the Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha) or a sacred fig tree. They tie threads or sacred threads around the tree’s trunk while reciting prayers and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Savitri.
5. Offerings: Married women offer water, milk, flowers, fruits, and other traditional sweets to the Banyan tree as a mark of respect and gratitude. Some also light incense sticks and lamps to invoke divine blessings for their husbands’ longevity and prosperity.
6. Vrat Katha: After performing the puja rituals, women listen to or recite the Vrat Katha (story) of Savitri and Satyavan, highlighting Savitri’s devotion and sacrifice to save her husband’s life from the clutches of death.
7. Breaking the Fast: The fast is usually broken after sunset, following the completion of the puja rituals and prayers. Women partake in a simple meal or feast with their families, which typically includes fruits, sweets, and other traditional dishes.
8. Prayer and Blessings: Throughout the day, women pray fervently for the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of their husbands and families. They seek blessings from the divine for a blissful and harmonious marital life.
9. Conclusion: Vat Savitri Puja concludes with married women expressing gratitude for the opportunity to observe this sacred fast and seek divine blessings for their husbands’ well-being. They believe that their prayers and devotion will be answered by the gods, ensuring long-lasting happiness and prosperity in their married life.

It’s important to note that specific customs and rituals may vary based on regional traditions and personal preferences.

Vat Savitri Puja Samagri

The items required for Vat Savitri Puja, also known as Vat Purnima Vrat, may vary slightly based on regional customs and traditions. However, here is a general list of common items or “samagri” needed for performing the puja:

1. Banyan Tree (Vat Vriksha): The puja is usually performed around a Banyan tree or a sacred fig tree. If a Banyan tree is not available, a picture or representation of the tree may suffice.
2. Murti or Picture of Savitri and Satyavan: A small idol, image, or picture of Savitri and Satyavan may be placed on a decorated platform or altar as a focal point for the puja.
3. Puja Thali or Plate: A tray or plate to hold the puja items, such as the offerings and materials for the rituals.
4. Rice: Raw rice or rice grains are used for various rituals and offerings during the puja.
5. Water: Clean and pure water is essential for performing ablutions (ceremonial washing) and offering to the deities.
6. Milk: Offering milk is considered auspicious during the puja. It symbolizes purity and devotion.
7. Ghee or Oil: Ghee (clarified butter) or oil is used for lighting lamps (diyas) during the puja.
8. Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): Incense sticks are lit to create a fragrant atmosphere and to purify the surroundings during the puja.
9. Camphor (Kapoor): Camphor is used for Aarti (waving of lights) to the deities as a symbol of purification and dispelling negativity.
10. Sandalwood Paste (Chandan): Sandalwood paste is applied to the idols or pictures of deities as a mark of respect and to invoke their blessings.
11. Flowers: Fresh flowers, especially marigold and lotus flowers, are offered to the deities as a symbol of devotion and purity.
12. Coconut: A whole coconut, with its husk intact, is often used as an offering during the puja.
13. Fruits: Various fruits, such as bananas, apples, mangoes, and grapes, are offered as Prasad (sacred food) after the puja.
14. Sweets: Traditional sweets like ladoos, pedas, and kheer are prepared and offered to the deities and then distributed as Prasad to the devotees.
15. Turmeric Powder (Haldi) and Kumkum: Turmeric powder and Kumkum (vermilion) are used for applying tilak (sacred mark) to the deities and married women as a sign of blessings and protection.
16. Sacred Threads: Cotton threads or sacred threads are tied around the Banyan tree or the wrists of married women as a symbol of longevity and marital bliss.
17. Akshat: Rice grains mixed with turmeric and Kumkum are used as Akshat for offering to the deities during the puja.
18. Bell: A small bell is rung during the puja to invoke the presence of the deities and to create a sacred atmosphere.
19. Traditional Clothes: Married women typically wear traditional attire, such as sarees or salwar suits, while performing the puja.
20. Prayer Book or Vrat Katha: A book containing the story of Savitri and Satyavan (Vrat Katha) may be used for reading or narrating the legend during the puja.

These are some of the common items required for performing Vat Savitri Puja. Additionally, devotees may also include other specific puja items and personal offerings based on their family traditions and customs.

Vat Savitri Mantra

Here is a commonly recited Vat Savitri Mantra:

“ॐ नमः सवित्र्यै नमः श्रियै नमः शक्त्यै नमः संवेदनायै नमः सरस्वत्यै नमो नमः॥”

This mantra is a salutation to Goddess Savitri, invoking her divine blessings for marital happiness, longevity, and prosperity. It is chanted with reverence and devotion during Vat Savitri Puja and while tying sacred threads around the Banyan tree or the wrists of married women.

Vat Savitri Fasting

Vat Savitri fasting, also known as Vat Purnima Vrat, is observed by married women to pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The fasting typically involves abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset on the day of Vat Savitri Puja, which is the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Jyeshtha month according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

Here is a general overview of the Vat Savitri fasting procedure:

1. Preparation: Married women wake up early before sunrise on the day of Vat Savitri Puja. They take a bath and wear clean and traditional attire. Some women may also wear special ornaments and apply vermillion (sindoor) as a symbol of their marital status.
2. Sankalp (Resolve): Before starting the fast, women make a solemn vow or resolve (Sankalp) to observe the Vat Savitri fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. They dedicate the day to prayers and rituals to honor Goddess Savitri and seek her blessings.
3. Fasting: The fast begins at sunrise, and women abstain from consuming food and water throughout the day until sunset. The fasting duration may vary slightly based on regional customs and personal preferences.
4. Puja and Rituals: Throughout the day, women perform various rituals and prayers associated with Vat Savitri Puja. This includes worshipping the Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha) or a sacred fig tree, tying sacred threads around the tree’s trunk, offering prayers, and reciting mantras dedicated to Goddess Savitri.
5. Listening to Vrat Katha: Women may also listen to or recite the Vrat Katha (story) of Savitri and Satyavan, highlighting Savitri’s devotion and sacrifice to save her husband’s life from the clutches of death. This story serves as an inspiration for married women observing the fast.
6. Breaking the Fast: The fast is usually broken after sunset, following the completion of the puja rituals and prayers. Women partake in a simple meal or feast with their families, which typically includes fruits, sweets, and other traditional dishes.
7. Prayer and Blessings: Throughout the day, women pray fervently for the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of their husbands and families. They seek blessings from Goddess Savitri for a blissful and harmonious marital life.

Vat Savitri fasting is considered a sacred and auspicious observance for married women, symbolizing their devotion, love, and commitment to their husbands. It is believed that observing this fast with sincerity and devotion can bring blessings and fulfillment to married life.

Rituals during Vat Savitri Vrat

During the observance of Vat Savitri Vrat, women rise before the break of dawn, beginning their day with a purifying bath infused with sesame seeds and Indian gooseberry, known as ‘gingli’ and ‘amla’ respectively. Following this ritual cleansing, women adorn themselves in new garments, don bangles, and apply vermilion on their foreheads, symbolizing marital status and devotion.

The focal point of the Vat Savitri Vrat rituals is the veneration of the ‘Vat’ or Banyan tree. Women consume the roots of the Banyan tree with water as a symbolic offering, a tradition observed especially by those fasting for three consecutive days, sustaining solely on the roots throughout this period.

Next, women perform puja rituals by tying yellow or red threads around the Banyan tree, offering water, flowers, and rice as tokens of reverence. Engaging in a ritual called ‘parikrama,’ they circumambulate the tree while chanting prayers, seeking divine blessings for marital harmony and longevity.

In instances where access to a Banyan tree is not feasible, women may create a makeshift representation of the tree using turmeric or sandalwood paste on wood or a plate. Puja ceremonies are conducted similarly around this depiction, ensuring adherence to tradition even in alternative settings.

Vat Savitri Vrat is also marked by the preparation of special dishes, which are shared among family and friends after the puja. Additionally, women seek blessings from elders and married women within their households, fostering a sense of community and familial harmony.

Furthermore, charity holds great significance during Vat Savitri Vrat, with devotees generously donating money, food, and clothing to the less fortunate. This act of giving reflects the spirit of compassion and altruism inherent in the observance, enriching the lives of both giver and recipient.