Vat Purnima 2026 | Vata Savitri Vrat on Jyeshta Purnima

Vat Purnima, also known as Vat Savitri Purnima, is an auspicious day dedicated to Savitri and Goddess Gauri. In 2026, Vat Purnima vrat date is June 29.

Vat Savitri Vratam is observed by married women on Vat Purnima day (Jyeshta Purnima) in many regions of North India and Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.

Savitri Puja or Gauri Puja is performed on Vat Savitri Purnima day. Vat Vriksha or Peepal tree or banyan tree is also worshipped. It is believed that those who perform Vat Savitri Puja under Vat Vriksh will be blessed with Soubhagya or longer life of their husband. Vat Savitri Puja Vrat Katha or the legend of Vata Savitri Vratam is mentioned in earlier article.

In some areas, Vat Savitri Vrat is observed for 3 days — from Savitri Chaturdasi to Vat Purnima. Read Vat Purnima Vrat Vidhi, procedure of Vat Purnima Vrat…

Vat Purnima (also known as Vat Savitri) is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily by married women in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and parts of South India. The festival is dedicated to praying for the long life, well-being, and prosperity of their husbands.

The Legend of Savitri and Satyavan

The festival is based on the legendary story of Savitri and her husband, Satyavan. According to the epic Mahabharata, Satyavan was destined to die exactly one year after their marriage. When Yama, the God of Death, came to claim Satyavan’s soul, Savitri followed him. Through her deep devotion, wisdom, and relentless determination, she engaged Lord Yama in a profound philosophical conversation. Impressed by her dedication, Yama granted her boons, which she cleverly used to ultimately convince him to restore her husband’s life. Satyavan’s life was restored while he rested under a Banyan tree, making the tree central to the festival’s celebrations.

Significance of the Banyan Tree (Vat Vriksha)

The Banyan tree is highly revered in Hinduism and is believed to represent the holy trinity: Lord Brahma (the roots), Lord Vishnu (the bark), and Lord Shiva (the branches). Because of its expansive aerial roots and incredibly long lifespan, the tree is a symbol of immortality, longevity, and endurance. By worshipping the Banyan tree, women seek these same enduring qualities for their husbands and their marital bond.

Key Rituals and Traditions

• Fasting: Married women observe a strict fast (Vrat) throughout the day as a symbol of their devotion.

• Worshipping the Tree: Women dress in traditional, festive attire—often wearing new saris, bangles, and jewelry. They gather around a Banyan tree to pour water at its base and offer prayers.

• Tying the Thread: The most iconic ritual involves tying a ceremonial sacred red or yellow cotton thread around the trunk of the Banyan tree. Women walk around the tree in a circle (parikrama) usually seven times while wrapping the thread, symbolizing a protective shield and their prayers for their husband’s long life.

• Offerings: Traditional offerings include fruits (especially seasonal mangoes), flowers, incense, kumkum (vermilion), and sweets.

Timing

Vat Purnima is celebrated on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Hindu lunar month of Jyeshtha, which typically falls in late May or June.

Note: In Northern India (states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), the same festival is known as Vat Savitri Vrat, but it is celebrated exactly a fortnight earlier on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Jyeshtha month.