festivals
AatmPath.in 7/30/2024
Vat Savitri
AatmPath.in 7/30/2024
Abstract
Vat Savitri is a Hindu festival where married women fast and worship a Banyan tree, praying for the long life and well-being of their husbands
This festival takes place on the full moon day, known as Purnima, in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which is usually in May or June. On this day, women do fasting for the whole day. They worship Vat Vriksh i.e. Banyan tree, Lord Yama, the god of death and the legendary lady Savitri. Savitri is famous for her devotion because she brought her husband, Satyavan, back to life with her love and determination. The main figure that women worship during Vat Savitri is the Banyan tree. The Banyan tree symbolizes strength and a long life. Women also pray to Lord Yama, the god of death, asking for his blessings to keep their husbands healthy and safe.
The festival is all about special rituals. Women start the day with an early morning bath to feel fresh and clean. After that, they go to the Banyan tree to worship it. They tie thread around the tree’s trunk, which represents their Raksha sutr(protective thread) for marriage and their wish for their husbands’ long lives. They offer fruits, flowers, and water to the tree and listen to the 'Savitri Katha', which is the story of Savitri and Satyavan.
The values of Vat Savitri include love, dedication, and the importance of marriage. It’s a day for women to cherish their love for their husbands and to pray for their happiness and health. This festival teaches everyone about loyalty and the strong bond between a husband and wife. Vat Savitri is also a time for families and friends to come together. Markets become lively with traditional items like bangles, fruits, and sweets that are used in the rituals. This festival also highlights the importance of nature, as the Banyan tree is admired for its strength and long life.
In different regions, Vat Savitri is celebrated in unique ways. In Maharashtra, it’s called 'Vat Purnima,' and women do similar rituals. In places like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, many women gather at Banyan trees to celebrate together with joy and devotion. It’s a beautiful festival that shows the power of love and family. This festival brings husband and wife emotionally together and increases respect for each other. This is very important for happy family and healthy society.
Scientifically speaking Banayan tree is the only tree which releases oxygen all 24 hours of the day. It also have unique medicinal properties. These trees are also well know to live very long life. This is the reason in indian culture there is tradition to offer water to Banyan tree every morning. This festival encourage people to protect banyan trees. If you observe care fully you will notice that all indian traditions and festivals are designed around the health and propsperity of the mankind and nature. This festival is a very good example where important trees are protected and knowledge of their medicinal properties are passed from one generation to other.
- Vat Savitri
- Vat Purnima
- Banyan tree
- Jyeshtha
- Purnima
- Lord Yama
- Savitri
- Satyavan
- Raksha sutr