Explore the joy of gifting during Vat Purnima, a time of gratitude and remembrance. Delve into the traditions that enrich this colourful festival.
Vat Purnima is a significant festival celebrated primarily in Maharashtra, as well as in parts of Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. This festival honours the devotion and love of married women towards their husbands, inspired by the legendary tale of Savitri and Satyavan from the Mahabharata. According to the story, Savitri's unwavering devotion and determination saved her husband from Yama, the God of Death.
Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May-June), Vat Purnima sees married women performing various rituals to pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands. One of the central traditions involves tying ceremonial threads around a Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha), which symbolises longevity and strength. Women also observe a fast and engage in prayers and offerings to the tree, reflecting Savitri's dedication.
The festival begins with women waking up early, dressing in their finest sarees, and adorning themselves with jewellery. They gather around Banyan trees, often in groups, and perform the pooja (prayer) rituals which include tying threads around the tree, offering fruits, and listening to the Vat Savitri Katha, a narrative of Savitri's story. The atmosphere is filled with songs and chants as women share this communal experience.