Vat Savitri fast 2020: history, significance and significance of this festival

New Delhi Vat Savitri is celebrated by Hindu women all over the country. On this day, women across India fast for the long life of their husbands and pray for the banyan tree.
Vat Savitri fast 2020: history, significance and significance of this festival

Meaning of Vat Savitri:


Vat is the Sanskrit word for a banyan tree, while 'Savitri' was a woman who fought against death to bring back her husband, and hence the festival is named 'Vat Savitri'. Vat Savitri is celebrated every year on Vaishakha Vaidya Chaturdashi Amavasya (moon night) according to the Hindu Vaishnam calendar.

Difference between Vat Savitri Poornima and Amavasya:


The southern part of the country celebrates the same festival on the full moon (full moon day), while in the north it is not celebrated on the Amavasya (no moon day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Vaishakh. Due to the acceptance of various lunar positions, Vat Savitri Puja will be celebrated by North Indians on 22 May or Friday this year. Whereas in the southern parts of the country, the day will be celebrated on 5 June 2020.

History of Vat Savitri:


Savitri, daughter of King Ashwapati, married Satyavan, who was cursed to die after one year of marriage. On completion of one year of his marriage, Satyavan started feeling weak and died in the lap of his wife. Savitri did not accept this and rebelled against Yamaraja, the god of death. She goes after Yamraj and begs him not to remove her husband. Impressed by Savitri's dedication, Yama granted her three boons, but placed a condition in front of her "You will not ask for the life of Satyavan". Then, Savitri demanded from him and Satyavan's 100 children. Surprised by her devotion, Yamraj gave her another boon and this time she did not place any condition and so Savitri asked for her husband's life

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