Vat Savitri Vrat in 2016 is going to be celebrated on 4th of June and Vat Purnima Vrat is on 2nd of June. Every year, this festival is celebrated two times in India. Some believe in celebrating it on a dark fortnight and some in bright fortnight. The dark fortnight one is Vat Savitri Amavasi Vrat and bright fortnight is Vrat Savitri Purnima Vrat. It is believed that this Vrat (fast) can bless the devotee with good fortune and a better life. The name of this festival is given as per its significance. Actually, people worship Vat (Banyan) tree and 'Savitri-Satyawan' on this day. Hence, the name Vat-Savitri Vrat came into existence.

About Vat Savitri Vrat

Vat Savitri Vrat in 2016 is going to be celebrated with great joy. In India, this Vrat (fast) is considered as the symbol of an ideal womanhood. Glory of this Vrat (fast) has been described in many Hindu scriptures, namely Skand Purana, Bhavishyottar Purana and Nirnayamrit, to name a few.

Vat Savitri Vrat signifies the increment in fate and fidelity toward husband. Along with this, it also shows the special significance of Banyan and Savitri both. Similar to Peepal tree, Banyan has a special place in Hindu religion. According to Hindu scriptures, Banyan tree holds the essence of the trinity; Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh and worshipping or performing any spiritual deed under this tree can fulfill all the desires of a devotee.

On this day, Satyawan and Savitri are worshipped along with Yamaraj. Following this fast can stabilize the good fortune of a woman. Savitri won the life of her dead husband from Dharmaraj (Lord of Death) by following this Vrat (fast) only. On the day of Vat Savitri Vrat, people bring the idols of 'Savitri-Satyavan' and 'Yamraj riding on Buffalo' made of Gold or Mud. Further, devotees adorn the idols using incense-sandal, fruits, vermillion and saffron. After adornment, these idols are worshipped and people listen to the story of Savitri-Satyawan.

Legend Behind Vat Savitri Vrat

While celebrating Vat Savitri Vrat in 2016, it is a good idea to know the legend behind it. Vat Savitri Vrat is observed to commemorate the bravery of Savitri and fetch the blessings to have a fortune as well as strength like her. Savitri was the woman who brought the life of her dead husband back from the Lord of the Death. Let's now know exactly what happened.

Savitri was a beautiful maiden and charming daughter of the King of Madra Desa, King Aswapati. She got married with Satyawan on her own will. Satyawan was a prince, but was living in exile in forest with his father, Dyumatsen who was blind. Savitri left all the luxuries of palace, joined her husband and started living in forest. But, on an unfortunate day, Satyawan fell from a tree. Savitri ran toward him and he died in her lap. Suddenly, Yamraj came to take away the soul of Satywan, but Savitri started yelling in front of him to leave the life of her husband. She made all her efforts, also said that she would give her life if Yamraj wouldn't leave Satyawan's soul. Seeing her ultimate love and sheer devotion toward her husband, Yamaraj melted down and returned the life of her husband. Satyawan became alive again and they lived happily ever after.

This story of Savitri-Satyavan inspired the married women and in order to stay blessed, married women perform Vat Savitri Vrat.

Rituals Followed During Vat Savitri Vrat

Festival of Vat Savitri Vrat is celebrated throughout the country for continuous three days. However, many people celebrate it on the main day only and some follow the proper three day ritual. On the main day, women wake up early in the morning, take shower and get ready like an ideal wife with all the necessary adornments. Women wear all new things on this special day, as adornments are considered holy for married women in Hindu religion. There are total 16 adornments in total, few of them are � bangles, vermillion for the middle parting of hair, Bindi for forehead, new clothes, Henna and Kohl. Throughout the day, women keep fast for their husbands. Further, women seek blessings by their husband and elders of family by bowing in front of them and touching their feet. This process takes place in afternoon. Since morning only, Goddess Savitri and Banyan tree is worshipped with equal faith.

Further, women gather around a Banyan tree, worship the tree, pour Ganga water on it, tie thread and then circumambulate around the tree 108 times in order to seek blessings for the long life of their husband.

As all Hindu ceremonies end up with Prasad (holy food), this one is also followed by Bhoga (holy food). Devotees offer various fruits like mango, banana, lemon and jack fruit; also they offer rice and wet pulses. Priest of the temple helps the devotees in Puja and recite Savitri-Satyawan story. After the successful completion of all the ceremonies, devotees bring back some holy food (Bhoga).

This is how the festival of Vat Savitri Vrat is celebrated. Indeed it is a great festival, which not only strengthens the bond between husband and wife, also improves the womanhood as well as bond between women. With this article on Vat Savitri Vrat, we hope you fetch the incredible blessings of Goddess Savitri and Yamaraj. Happy Vat Savitri Vrat 2016!