Vat Savitri vrat symbolizes the traditional care and concern of Indian wives to their husbands.
Vat Savitri vrat is observed in the month of Jyestha (mid May to mid June). The vrat continued throughout 3 days and 3 nights. It begins on the 13th day of the bright or dark half of a lunar fortnight and continues till the full or new moon day. It is said that the Vat or the Banyan tree is intricately connected to the famous legend of Savitri and Satyavan. In the battle of wits with Lord Yama, Savitri was able to persuade him to return Satyavan’s life.
The fast is observed by married ladies over three days. It begins two days before purnima or amavasya in the month of Jyestha depending on whether one is observing the Vat Purnima or the Vat Amavasya fast.
The festival day ritual involves taking an early morning bath and then worshipping Godess Savitri. Most ladies wear a new saree on this day. The Devi is offered wet pulses, rice, mango, jack fruit (kathal), lemon, banana etc as Bhoga. They visit banyan trees. They pour the holy water of River Ganges on the tree and go around it 108 times tying a red thread around the bark of the tree praying for their long conjugal life.
In the evening they break their fast with the Devi Bhoga. The priest of the temple recites the story of Savitri and Satyavan. Later they take blessings from the elders in the family.
