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KarmaVaani

Vrat · May–June

Vat Savitri

Also known as Vat Purnima

Married women worship the banyan tree, remembering Savitri, who won back her husband’s life from Yama.

The trunk of an old banyan tree wound with many loops of red and white cotton thread, offerings of flowers at its base

Savitri followed Yama, the lord of death, until he returned the life of her husband Satyavan. Married women remember her by fasting and worshipping the banyan (vat) tree, winding thread around its trunk. In North India it is kept on the Amavasya of Jyeshtha; in Maharashtra, Gujarat and the South, on the Purnima.

Why it is kept

Savitri’s steadfastness and wisdom, and the long-lived banyan as a sign of enduring life.

Step by step

How to observe it

  1. Fast through the day

    Many fast until the puja is complete.

  2. Worship the banyan

    Water, flowers and kumkum are offered, and thread is wound around the trunk while circling it.

  3. Hear the katha

    The story of Savitri and Satyavan is read.

Customs differ between regions, communities and families. Where your family or temple has its own way, follow it.

Fasting

Fasting

A day fast, broken after the puja.

Fasts should suit your health. Children, elders, pregnant women and anyone unwell or on medication should eat, or keep a lighter fast; that is the tradition, not an exception to it.

Traditions

  • Worship of the banyan tree
  • Winding thread around the trunk
  • Hearing the story of Savitri