Vata Savitri Purnima 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals
Vata Savitri Purnima 2025: Key Details
- Festival Name: Vata Savitri Purnima
- Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
- Tithi Begins: 11:35 AM on June 10, 2025
- Tithi Ends: 01:13 PM on June 11, 2025
- Day of Week: Tuesday
- Moon Phase: Purnima (Full Moon)
What is Vata Savitri Purnima?
Vata Savitri Purnima is a deeply revered Hindu festival observed by married women (Suhaagans) primarily in North Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat. It is celebrated on the Purnima (full moon) day in the month of Jyeshtha as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
This observance is based on the legendary tale of Savitri and Satyavan, where the devoted wife Savitri brought her husband back from the clutches of death by her immense devotion, wisdom, and determination. Women worship the Vata Vriksha (Banyan Tree) and pray for their husband’s long life, good health, and marital bliss.
Why is Vata Savitri Celebrated?
The festival derives its name from two elements:
- Vata (वट) — Refers to the Banyan Tree, considered sacred in Hinduism.
- Savitri — A symbol of devotion and wifely virtue.
The central theme is the love and dedication of Savitri, who followed her husband even into death and pleaded with Lord Yama, the god of death, to restore his life.
This festival celebrates the power of a woman’s loyalty, resolve, and piety, showcasing the spiritual and moral strength of a devoted wife.
Symbolism of the Banyan Tree
The Banyan tree (Vata Vriksha) is a key aspect of this puja:
- Roots symbolize longevity and stability
- Associated with the Trimurti — roots (Brahma), trunk (Vishnu), and branches (Shiva)
- Worshipping the tree is believed to bring fertility, protection, and harmony in married life
Legend of Savitri and Satyavan
The story is found in the Mahabharata, narrated by Rishi Markandeya to the Pandavas:
- Princess Savitri, the daughter of King Ashwapati, chose a forest-dweller named Satyavan as her husband despite knowing he would die within a year.
- On the destined day, she followed Yama, the god of death, who came to take Satyavan’s soul.
- Her unwavering devotion and wisdom impressed Yama, who granted her a boon.
- Cleverly, she asked for progeny from Satyavan, forcing Yama to restore his life.
- This tale symbolizes faith, moral courage, and divine intervention.
Puja Vidhi (Rituals of Vata Savitri Purnima)
✅ Pre-Puja Preparations
- Women wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear new or traditional clothes (preferably red or yellow).
- They adorn themselves with bangles, sindoor, bindis, and mangalsutras — symbols of marriage.
- Puja thali is prepared with:
- Soaked gram (chana), fruits, flowers
- Red thread (kalawa)
- Ghee lamp (diya), incense sticks
- Savitri-Satyavan idol or image
🕉️ Main Rituals
- Vrat (Fasting):
- Women observe a day-long nirjala (without water) fast for the long life of their husbands.
- Some consume fruits or milk, based on personal or family traditions.
- Banyan Tree Worship:
- Women circle the Banyan tree 7 or 108 times, tying red and yellow threads around it.
- They offer soaked chana, milk, kumkum, haldi, and water at the tree roots.
- Recitation of the Savitri Katha:
- The legend of Savitri and Satyavan is read or heard collectively.
- Often done in groups at temples or under the tree.
- Offering Prayers:
- Women pray for husband’s health, protection from untimely death, and eternal marital harmony.
Vrat Katha (Savitri-Satyavan Story Summary)
Excerpt (simplified):
Savitri married Satyavan, despite Rishis warning of his early death. On the appointed day, Satyavan fainted in the forest and died. Savitri followed Lord Yama, engaging in dialogue with him and impressing him with her devotion. Pleased, Yama granted boons — ultimately reviving Satyavan and blessing them with a long, happy life.
Regional Observances
- In Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka, Vata Savitri is observed on Amavasya (new moon) and is called Vat Savitri Vrat.
- In Northern India, especially Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, it is performed on Purnima.
- Despite date differences, rituals and sentiments remain the same.
Spiritual & Social Significance
- Reinforces values of faithfulness and devotion in marriage.
- Encourages respect for nature and sacred trees.
- Highlights female strength, resolve, and moral power.
- Promotes community bonding through collective pujas.
Do’s and Don’ts on Vata Savitri
✅ Do’s:
- Listen to or recite the Savitri Vrat Katha
- Wear traditional suhaag symbols
- Maintain purity and devotion during puja
- Tie threads around the Vata tree with prayers
❌ Don’ts:
- Avoid non-vegetarian food
- Do not cut hair, nails, or wash hair on the same day
- Avoid anger, lies, or negative speech
✨ Quotes & Wishes
- “May the strength of Savitri bless every married woman with a long and harmonious marital life.”
- “On Vata Savitri Purnima, may your marriage be as blessed as Savitri and Satyavan’s.”
- “May the sacred Vata tree bless you with strength, longevity, and love.”
