Most of the Hindu religious women observe Somavara Amavasya Vrata (fasting) in order to have a happy and long married life. On the day of Somavara Amavasya, women tie a sacred thread around the peepal tree’s trunk and worship it. They also with folded hand circumambulate 108 times the peepal tree. On its roots, women pour milk and water. They also offer to the peepal tree flowers, wet rice, vermilion and sandal paste.
According to the Hindu religious scholars and pundits, the peepal tree is considered as the most sacred tree of Hinduism and dwelling place of the Hindu Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
It is strongly believed that if women folk take a dip or bath in the nearest holy water bodies such as sea, ocean, river, lake or well then the soul of the departed forefathers or ancestors will rest in peace.
It is also believed that if women observe fasting during Somavati Amavasya then her family would be free of diseases and there will be prosperity in life.
In the Indian traditional Hindu family, women have a prominent role in the family. Even though men folks are the head of the family, women folk participate in the major and minor decision making activities in the domestic circuit. The financial and domestic affairs is taken care by women.
Therefore during Somavara Amavasya, on behalf of the family members, the women folks do the worship, prayer and rituals in order to please the God, Goddesses, forefathers or ancestors etc.