Vat Purnima

The story of Savitri

The epic Mahabharata tells of princess Savitri, who chose to marry Satyavan despite knowing he was fated to die in one year. When Satyavan collapsed under a banyan tree, Yama, the deity of death, arrived to take his soul. Savitri followed them resolutely. Impressed by her devotion and wisdom, Yama granted several requests, culminating in children for the couple. Because fulfilling this wish required Satyavan alive, Yama restored him to life.

Rituals and fasting

Women observe the festival across three days, culminating on the full moon. At home, they create floor or wall artwork depicting Savitri, Satyavan, Yama, and the banyan tree using a paste of ground rice and sandalwood. During this period, women greet each other by wishing that they become like Savitri. They chant mantras, worship golden images placed in sand, and fast so their spouses enjoy long and prosperous lives.

Worshiping the banyan tree

On the festival day, women dress in fine sarees and traditional jewellery before heading outside to worship a banyan tree. They present copper coins along with offerings of a coconut and five fruits. Each participant then walks around the tree, wrapping white cotton thread seven times around its trunk. Tying this thread honours the tree from the ancient tale, reaffirming marital devotion and prayers for their family.

How Vat Purnima is kept

Married women prepare by wearing fine sarees, putting on jewellery, and gathering sacred offerings. At home, they draw ceremonial figures with rice and sandalwood paste and recite chants. Outdoors, women assemble around a banyan tree to offer copper coins, a coconut, and five types of fruit. Each woman circles the tree, wrapping a white thread seven times around the trunk while praying for her husband's long life and prosperity. Throughout this observance, women maintain a strict fast and exchange blessings wishing each other the virtue of Savitri.

When and where

The observance takes place annually across three days in the Hindu lunar month of Jyeshtha, usually falling in May or June. The main rituals occur on the full moon, known as Purnima, specifically on the fifteenth day of the month.

Vat Purnima is widely observed across northern and western parts of India. It is especially prominent in states and regions such as Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Mithila, and Bhojpur, where married women gather around local banyan trees.

What Vat Purnima means

The festival celebrates marital fidelity, love, and protection through the story of Savitri, whose persistence turned back death itself. The banyan tree reflects endurance and shelter. Scholar B. A. Gupte noted that the narrative also mirrors the yearly renewal of nature, where the earth undergoes revival through vital natural forces.

Questions people ask about Vat Purnima

See also

PretaOfferings and rites for spirits enduring deep hunger across Asian traditions.Krishna JanmashtamiA Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna with fasting, singing and night vigilsNaga PanchamiA day of worship for serpent deities and cobras, observed by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists across South Asia.ThaipusamA Tamil Hindu festival honoring Murugan through devotional burdens and pilgrimage

Good reading and sources

• Vata Purnima on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.