Women perform rituals on the occasion of Vat Savitri Puja
As the dawn breaks on May 19, 2023, millions of Hindu women across the globe will observe Vat Savitri Vrat, a significant fasting ritual dedicated to Goddess Savitri. This auspicious day, falling on the Amavasya Tithi, holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm.
According to Narad Puran, Skanda Puran, and Bhavishya Puran, the fast is to be observed from the Trayodashi tithi of Jyeshta month and be concluded after the sunset of the Purnima/Amavasya tithi. The scriptures also mention that women who aren’t able to fast for three continuous days can observe a one-day vrat on the Purnima (Vat Purnima Vrat) or Amavasya (Vat Amavasya Vrat).
Vat Savitri Vrat is primarily observed by married women who pray for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands. The vrat derives its name from the sacred banyan tree (vat vriksha), which is considered an embodiment of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, under which Princess Savitri tricked the god of death Yamraj and brought her husband back from the grip of death (Read the story here). Women tie threads around the banyan tree, symbolizing their eternal bond with their husbands and seeking divine blessings.
According to the traditional Hindu calendar, the Tithi of Amavasya for Vat Savitri Vrat begins on May 18, 2023, at 9:43 PM and ends on May 19, 2023, at 9:23 PM. The entire day is spent in fasting and engaging in religious activities. Women get ready using the "Solah Shringar" which literally translates to Sixteen Adornments/Makeup, dress in traditional attire, and visit temples, seeking the blessings of Goddess Savitri, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.
Important Timings on Vat Savitri Vrat:
Sunrise: May 19, 5:48 AM
Sunset: May 19, 6:58 PM
Amavasya Tithi Begins: May 18, 9:43 PM
Amavasya Tithi Ends: May 19, 9:23 PM
(*The timings are in IST, for Ujjain. Visit the Panchang page to change the location.)
During the Vat Savitri Vrat, women observe strict fasting and abstain from consuming food and water. They spend the day in deep meditation, recite religious scriptures, and perform rituals to honor their husbands' well-being. Married women pray for their husbands' longevity and prosperity, seeking blessings for a blissful married life.
As the sun rises at 5:48 AM and sets at 6:58 PM on May 19, 2023, married women will conclude their Vat Savitri Vrat by performing the evening rituals and breaking their fast. Families come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion, exchanging gifts and sharing traditional sweets. Vat Savitri Vrat is not merely a religious observance but also symbolizes the sacred bond between husband and wife. It exemplifies the strength of love, devotion, and the significance of marital harmony in Hindu culture.
