Savitri Amavasya is a day of fasting observed on the Amavasya, or no moon day, of the month of Jyestha, the third month of the Hindu calendar that falls between May to June. This year, it falls on June 6. This day is observed in some states of North India and the country of Nepal. The festival is also known by the name “Sabitri Uwaans” in some parts of the state of Odisha. On this day, married Hindu women in the states of Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh fast and pray for their husbands to have a long life. This fasting is religious and is considered a vow among these women.
History of Savitri Amavasya
Savitri Amavasya is a day of fasting observed on the Amavasya, or no moon day, in the Hindu month of Jyestha. This month is the third month of the Hindu calendar and falls between May to June. The date of the no moon day changes every year.
On this day, married women in the North Indian states of Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in the country of Nepal, maintain a fast. According to their beliefs, the fast is a vow that strengthens the prayer for their husbands to live long lives.
The day and fast gets its name from Savitri, one-half of the legendary couple, Savitri and Satyavan, in Hindu mythology. There are many stories of Savitri and Satyavan, but the oldest stories are from the Sanskrit epic — the Mahabharata.
According to the stories, Savitri was born to King Ashwapati of the Madra Kingdom, which was likely in the modern Indian state of Maharashtra. Saviriti chooses Satyavan, the son of the blind King, Dyumatsena, to be her husband. Savitri’s father was informed that Satyavan was destined to die in a year. He tries to convince her to choose another man, but she refuses.
The fast is based on the same fast that Savitri observed for three days before Satyavan’s predicted death.
When the God of Death, Yama, appears to take Satyavan’s soul, he is impressed by Savitri’s fast, as well as her eloquent speech. He offers her anything she would like, except Satyavan’s life. Savitri wishes for her and Satyavan to have a hundred children. Impressed by her intelligence, the God of Death allows her to wish for Satyavan’s life, and Yama grants his life back.
Savitri Amavasya timeline
The oldest version of the story of Savitri and Satyavan is in the Mahabharata, which is compiled around 400 B.C.
Holst, a composer in England, composes a chamber opera on Savitri as his Opus 25.
The philosopher, Sri Aurobindo, writes an epic poem in blank verse about Savitri based on the story of her devotion.
A group called 2002 base their music album on Savitri and Satyavan’s story and title it “Savitri.”
Savitri Amavasya FAQs
Can unmarried women do Vrat Savitri Vrat?
Unmarried women also keep the fast to pray for a good husband and their future husband’s long life.
Which fast is kept for a husband?
Apart from the Savitri Amavasya fast, Karwa Chauth is kept for the long life of one’s husband.
How is Vat Savitri celebrated?
Vat Savitri is celebrated by the women observing a fast for their husbands till the afternoon, praying to Savitri, listening to the story of Savitri and Satyavan, and feasting.
How to Observe Savitri Amavasya
Participate in the rituals
If you are married and in the area, the women of Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, will welcome your participation in the rituals. Keep the fast, participate in the worship and join the feast in the afternoon.
Read Savitri and Satyavan’s story
Savitri Amavasya is a great day to read about Savitri and Satyavan. Pick up a copy of the Mahabharata or the Vana Parva and read the story.
Tell the story to people
Share the story of Savitri’s dedication and cleverness with everyone you know. Her cleverness in defense of her family is an inspiring story!
5 Facts About Savitri Amavasya That Will Surprise You
Places observe it on the full moon
In the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Karnataka, the fast is observed on the Vat Purnima, or the full moon, in the month of Jyestha.
Savitri is worshiped as a Goddess
On the day of the fast, married women worship Savitri and dedicate their offerings to her.
Nine is an important number
Nine types of flowers and nine types of fruits are offered to Savitri as part of the rituals.
Telling the story is important
An important part of the rituals associated with Savitri Amavasya is Brat Katha, the story of the fast.
The fasting ends in the afternoon
The rituals end in the afternoon, after which the women bow to their husbands and the elders in the family before eating their first meal of the day.
Why Savitri Amavasya is Important
We love the story
We love the love Savitri shows for her husband. We also think that Savitri is wise and a great role model.
We respect the women’s faith
We think it is very impressive how the women have kept these rituals alive for all these years. We appreciate the faith that leads them to keep the fast even today.
We want to support the culture
We think that the rituals and stories are important to the culture of the place. We think that celebrating these festivals and keeping these fasts helps the culture stay alive.
Savitri Amavasya dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 30 | Monday |
| 2023 | May 19 | Friday |
| 2024 | June 6 | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 26 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 16 | Saturday |
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