- Categories:
- Religious
- Tags:
- CivicHinduIndian Holidays
- Where:
- India
- Date change rule:
- No moon day of the month of Jyestha (May–June)
- Holiday emoji:
- 🕉️
Savitri Amavasya is a day of devout fasting observed by married Hindu women on the no moon day of Jyestha. This sacred observance honors the legendary devotion of Savitri, who famously saved her husband Satyavan from the clutches of death. Women across India participate in rituals and prayers, seeking blessings for their husbands’ long lives and well-being.
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Expected Savitri Amavasya Deals
Savitri Amavasya is a deeply religious observance focused on spiritual devotion rather than commercial transactions. However, local markets and online retailers often see increased demand for puja items, traditional attire, and offerings. Brands like Fabindia may offer traditional wear, while local vendors provide fresh fruits, flowers, and sweets for rituals. Devotees may also support charities associated with women’s welfare or religious institutions. We will update this page with any community-led initiatives or specific offerings as May 16 approaches.
Platform Guide for Savitri Amavasya
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SavitriAmavasya. Share photos of your traditional attire, puja preparations, or artistic representations of the Savitri-Satyavan legend.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SavitriAmavasya. Join community groups to share experiences, recipes for traditional foods, and stories of devotion.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #SavitriAmavasya. Share insights into the rituals, the story of Savitri, or messages of blessings for all observing this sacred day.
Savitri Amavasya Hero
Savitri
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
When is Savitri Amavasya?
In 2027, Savitri Amavasya is observed on Friday, June 4. The date shifts annually according to the lunar calendar, making it a floating observance.
What is the story of Savitri and Satyavan?
The epic tale recounts how Savitri followed Yama, pleading for her husband’s life with wisdom and steadfastness. Impressed by her unwavering resolve, Yama granted her wish, making her a revered figure for marital devotion and spiritual strength.
How is Savitri Amavasya celebrated?
Celebrations typically involve women waking early, bathing, and adorning themselves in traditional attire. They visit temples or perform rituals at home, offering fruits, flowers, and sweets, and listening to the Savitri Vrat Katha (story).
What is the significance of the Banyan tree on Savitri Amavasya?
The tree represents the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) and is considered sacred. Women circumambulate the banyan tree, tying sacred threads, as an act of devotion and a prayer for their husbands’ long and healthy lives, echoing Savitri’s unwavering faith.
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.
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