Vat Savitri Vratham 2026

Vat Savitri Vratham: Savitri's Devotion for Her Husband

Vat Savitri Vratham is observed by married women on Vaishakha Bahula Amavasya (called Jyeshtha Amavasya in the North Indian Purnimanta calendar) for the long life and health of their husbands. Worshipping Savitri and Satyavan under a banyan tree (vata vriksha) is the heart of the vratam. This Amavasya observance is especially popular in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

The Story of Savitri and Satyavan

This story is told by the sage Markandeya to Dharmaraja in the Mahabharata. Princess Savitri of Madra married Satyavan even after learning that he would die within a year. On the destined day Satyavan died in the forest, and Savitri followed Yama as he carried away his life. Pleased with her wisdom and dharma, Yama granted her boons. She cleverly asked for a hundred sons by Satyavan, and to honour that boon Yama had to return her husband's life. All this is believed to have happened in the shade of a banyan tree.

How the Vratam Is Done

• Bathe in the morning, dress with turmeric and kumkum, and take the vrata sankalpam.
• Go to a banyan tree, pour water at its roots and offer turmeric, kumkum and flowers.
• Wind a yellow or white thread around the trunk while circling the tree, often 7 or 108 times.
• Read or listen to the story of Savitri and Satyavan and offer naivedyam.
• Give vayanam of turmeric, kumkum, bangles and fruits to married women.

Fasting Rules

Many women fast until the puja is complete, and some take only fruit for the day. If no banyan tree is nearby, a banyan twig or picture can be worshipped at home. Many Telugu families perform the same vratam on Jyeshtha Pournami instead, so follow your family's tradition.

Significance

The banyan tree stands for long life; Brahma is said to dwell in its roots, Vishnu in its trunk and Shiva in its branches. Savitri's courage, intelligence and devotion remain a shining example of women's strength.

By the grace of Savitri Devi, may every marriage be blessed with long life and happiness.