Vat Savitri

Vat Savitri is a festival in which women observe a fast and pray for the good health and long life for their husband.This is the 25th story in the series of A2 Z challenge.

This is an important festival for women belonging to Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka. This festival is observed by women for a long and healthy life of their husbands. They worship the  banyan  tree and tie a thread (vat) round it.

According to a legend a pious lady Savitri was married to Satyavan. It  was ordained that Satyavan would not live a long life. One day when he was lying down with his head on Savitri’s lap, he died. When  the messanger of  Yama, the God of Death, came to  take Satyavan,  Savitri did not allow him. Several messengers came but did not succeed in taking away Satyavan. Finally Yama himself appeared and appealed to Savitri . He offered a boon to Savitri. She demanded  the welfare of her in-laws, which was granted to her. But still Yama could not take away Satyavan. Yama offered her another boon, through which she demanded her parents’ good health. This was also granted.  She did not change her mind and was adamant in her request. Yama offered her a third boon. In response Savitri asked for a son, which was granted. But there was a problem. How could she conceive without her husband.  Yama was impressed by her determination and returned Satyavan’s soul to her.

Women observe a fast at night. Early morning  they water the tree, sprinkle kumkum on it and wrap  cotton threads around the tree. They have seven rounds of the tree and pray for their husband. An old lady among them, narrates the story of Savitri and Satyavan. After this they break their fast.                            

Threads tied round a Banyan Tree.

Old ladies, when they bless their daughters/daughters-in-law, say, "May God  bless you like Sati Savitri".

Word 280

Pic courtesy Google