A rare and auspicious celestial combination is set to occur this year as Vat Savitri Vrat aligns with Somvati Amavasya on 26th May 2025. This sacred observance, held in the month of Jyeshtha, is especially significant for married Hindu women who fast and pray for the long life and prosperity of their husbands.

ALSO READ: Vat Savitri Vrat 2025 — Know Its Significance, Puja Vidhi, And Samagri for Newlywed Women

Regional Celebrations:

Vat Savitri Vrat is observed differently across India. In North India, including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana, the vrat is observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) from Trayodashi to Amavasya. Meanwhile, in South India, it is celebrated during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the same month.

Women worship the banyan tree (Vat Vriksha) as it symbolizes longevity. It is believed that just as the banyan tree lives for centuries, women pray for their husbands' lives to be equally long.

Date And Panchang Details:

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Amavasya Tithi in Jyeshtha month begins at 12:11 PM on 26th May 2025 and ends at 8:31 AM on 27th May 2025. Therefore, the Vat Savitri fast will be observed on 26th May 2025.

Auspicious Yogas:

On this day, Bharani Nakshatra will be in effect till 8:23 AM, and auspicious Shobhan and Atiganda Yogas will also be present. The Abhijit Muhurat, considered highly favorable for worship, will last from 11:54 AM to 12:42 PM.

Rare Somvati Amavasya Alignment:

Although Amavasya will fall during sunrise on 27th May, it will coincide with a Monday, making 26th May a Somvati Amavasya—a rare and fortunate occurrence believed to attract divine blessings. Devotees believe that by fasting on this day, one receives the blessings of Lord Yama and Lord Shiva, and this year, the Moon's presence in Taurus (Vrishabh Rashi) enhances the spiritual potency of the vrat.

Importance Of Worshipping The Banyan Tree:

In Hinduism, the banyan tree is considered sacred and is believed to house all deities. Worshipping this tree grants eternal marital bliss and prosperity. On this day, women water the tree, offer incense, lamps, kumkum, and rice, and tie raw cotton threads (kalawa) around its trunk while circling it three times.

Rituals And Observances:

On Somvati Amavasya, rituals such as holy bathing, donations, offerings to ancestors, and special wealth-inviting remedies are also performed. Married women place idols of Brahma and Savitri on sprouted grains in bamboo baskets and another basket with idols of Satyavan and Savitri, which they take to the banyan tree for worship.

During the puja, women wrap raw thread around the banyan tree 108 times, chant mantras, offer water to Savitri, and donate the "Saubhagya Pitari" (basket containing puja items) to a learned person. Listening to the story of Satyavan and Savitri is considered essential during the vrat.

Puja Materials:

The essential items for Vat Savitri Puja include:

  • Idols of Savitri and Satyavan
  • Incense sticks, lamp, clarified butter (ghee)
  • Bamboo fan, red thread (kalawa)
  • Soaked chickpeas, banyan fruit, water-filled kalash (pot)
  • Traditional items of a married woman

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi:

  • Clean the house and bathe early in the morning.
  • Sprinkle sacred water in the home.
  • Place sprouted grains in a bamboo basket and install the idol of Brahma.
  • Install Savitri’s idol beside Brahma and Satyavan’s idol in another basket.
  • Carry the baskets to the banyan tree and begin the worship.
  • Use sacred items such as roli, moli, raw thread, soaked chickpeas, flowers, and incense.
  • Circle the tree three times while tying raw thread around it.
  • Wear ornaments made from banyan leaves and listen to the story of Savitri.
  • Offer soaked chickpeas and cash as “baya” to your mother-in-law or send it to her.
  • Donate clothes, fruits, and other items to Brahmins.

Significance Of The Vrat:

According to legend, Savitri revived her husband Satyavan under a banyan tree by her devotion and wisdom, winning back his life from Yama, the god of death. In another tale, sage Markandeya saw the divine child form of Lord Vishnu (Bal Mukund) on a banyan leaf, highlighting the tree's spiritual relevance.