Significance of Vat Savitri Puja

Vat Savitri Puja is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh by Hindu married women. It is observed on the Amavasya, which is the no-moon day, in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which typically falls in May or June. It is also known as Savitri Vrat or Savitri Amavasya. This year it was celebrated on 19th May. This was my first Vat Savitri after marriage. So, I am going to share my experience of this puja here.

I am always fascinated by the Hindu culture. It’s indeed very vast and incredible. Every festival has a story associated with it and a lot of lessons to learn from it. That’s the beauty of our culture. I have seen my mother following this puja's rituals so dedicatedly for years. I have seen her keeping fast for my father throughout the day by eating only fruits. As a child, I could not feel the intensity then until I followed those rituals for my spouse.

The story of Savitri and Satyavan exemplifies the power of love, dedication, and the strength of a wife's prayers. Vat Savitri Puja is observed to honor this legend and celebrate the eternal bond between husband and wife. Savitri (daughter of the king of Madra kingdom, Ashvapati) went fell in love with a prince named Satyavan. Later she got to know that the lifespan of Satyavan was short. His husband would die when she turned 13 years which was just one year away. The Father of Savitri told him to not marry him but she was determined to marry her love. Despite this, she married Satyavan and devoted to him. When she was nearing 13 years, the very thought of the death of his husband would haunt her day and night. She started performing rituals and worshipping gods for well-being of her husband. One day, while Satyavan was cutting wood in the forest, he suddenly collapsed due to the effects of his destined fate. At that moment, Yama Raj, the Lord of Death, arrived to claim Satyavan's soul. Savitri, followed Yama Raj as he carried Satyavan's soul away. Impressed by her unwavering dedication, purity, and love for her husband, Yama Raj offered her boons. Savitri asked for three boons. First, she wanted the restoration of the eyesight of her father-in-law. Second, she asked for the kingdom which her father-in-law had lost in a war. Third, she requested to be a mother of hundred sons. Thus, through her devotion, determination, and intelligence, Savitri succeeded in changing the course of fate and saving his beloved husband’s life.

My day started with waking up early in the morning and taking a head shower. I started my ritual by visiting the temple to seek the blessings of the almighty. I wore a new saree and put on all the accessories. I have a particular affinity for bangles. As a married woman, it’s an auspicious accessory to put on with a saree.  Then I moved forward to take the blessing of my husband. I kept fast throughout the day. I consumed only fruits and juice. As its scorching summer here, I felt less hungry throughout the day.  Altogether, it was a unique experience for me. I prayed to god to bless him with good health, wealth, and happiness throughout his life. May he get all the things he desires for.

SWETA SARANGI

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