Vat Savitri Vrat 2026: Date, Vrat Katha & Significance
The vrat for a husband’s long life
Vat Savitri Vrat is a fast observed by married women for the long life and well-being of their husbands. In North India it is kept on the Amavasya of the month of Jyeshtha; in western India it is observed on the Jyeshtha Purnima as Vat Purnima.
The vrat centres on the vat — the banyan tree — which women worship by tying a sacred thread around its trunk while praying for marital happiness and the welfare of their families.
Vat Savitri Vrat 2026 Date
Vat Savitri Vrat 2026 is on Monday, 29 June 2026. It is observed on Jyeshtha Krishna Amavasya — the Amavasya tithi of the Krishna paksha in the lunar month of Jyeshtha.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and can vary by a day between regions and traditions. Always confirm the date and timings with your local panchang.
The Significance of Vat Savitri Vrat
The festival takes its name from Savitri, whose story is told in the Mahabharata. Savitri married Satyavan knowing that he was destined to die within a year. When the day came and Yama, the god of death, took Satyavan’s life, Savitri followed him.
Moved by her devotion and the wisdom of her words, Yama granted her several boons. Through her cleverness she secured one that required Satyavan to live, and so won her husband back from death itself.
Savitri’s steadfast love and intelligence are remembered every year through this vrat. The banyan tree is worshipped because it is long-lived and evergreen — a fitting symbol of the long life and enduring bond the vrat prays for.
Vat Savitri Vrat Puja Vidhi
- Married women take an early bath, dress in festive clothes and adorn themselves with the symbols of marriage.
- Gather puja items — a banyan branch or a banyan tree, sacred thread, fruit, flowers and water.
- Worship the banyan tree, tie the sacred thread around its trunk while circumambulating it, and offer water and flowers.
- Listen to or recite the Savitri-Satyavan vrat katha, the story behind the fast.
- Keep the fast through the day and break it after completing the puja, often after seeking the blessings of elders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Vat Savitri Vrat in 2026?
Vat Savitri Vrat in 2026 falls on Monday, 29 June 2026, on Jyeshtha Amavasya.
Why is Vat Savitri Vrat observed?
Vat Savitri Vrat is kept by married women for the long life, health and well-being of their husbands. It honours Savitri, who won her husband Satyavan back from the god of death through her devotion.
Why is the banyan tree worshipped on Vat Savitri?
The banyan (vat) tree is long-lived and evergreen, making it a symbol of long life and an enduring marital bond. Women tie a sacred thread around its trunk while praying for their husband’s welfare.
What is the difference between Vat Savitri Amavasya and Vat Purnima?
They are the same vrat observed on different days by regional tradition. North India keeps it on Jyeshtha Amavasya, while Maharashtra and Gujarat observe it on Jyeshtha Purnima as Vat Purnima.