Vat Savitri Vrat

Vat Savitri is a very significant festal in India for women, who pray to Savitri in the hope that she will bless their husbands with a long life and also a peaceful marriage. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Jyeshtha (May/June).

History

Savitri is said to be the ideal wife, who saved her husband from even the god of death. When her husband died the messengers of Yama, the god of death came to take his soul, but Savitri refused to let go of him. Yama was so inspired by her devotion and determination that he granted her husband back to her.

Celebration

It is a very important day in Hinduism for women, they celebrate the day by tying a thread around a banyan tree. They then pray to Savitri and also keep fasts for the whole day in the hope that they will be blessed with a long marriage. Charity to saints is also another important ritual of this day; hence women give clothes, fruits, vegetables, etc. Women sit around in groups and listen to the tale of Savitri in order to be motivated to serve their husbands.