Vat Pournima Date: May 8
Vat Pournima is celebrated in India and among Hindus worldwide.
Vat Pournima is celebrated by women in the state of Maharashtra, India, in the month of Jesht according to the Hindu Lunar calendar, usually in the month of May or June.
Vat Pournima History
Pournima meaning full moon is the reason why this is a moveable festival. Vat Pournima commemorates the legendary wife Savitri who convinced Yama the lord of death to spare the life of her husband Satyavan whilst waiting for death under a Banyan tree.
On this day Yama the Lord of death sent many messengers but Savitri kept refusing. Yama himself finally appeared but Savitri was still adamant. He offered her a Boon so she asked for the well being of her in-laws, she accepted the boon and watched as Yama took her husband. Savitri followed them and Yama offered her another boon so she asked for the well being of her parents and this he also granted. As she continued to follow relentless he offered her another boon where she asked for a son which he also granted and in her response asked him how she could have a son without her husband. Yama was trapped and gave Savitri back her husband. Since Vat Pournima Savitri is now worshipped as a goddess.
Vat Pournima Traditions and Activities
On the day of the Vat Pournima festival women pray for the well being of their husbands and tie threads around a Banyan tree. The women wake up early, take a bath and observe fast. They wear traditional clothing and jewellery and in the afternoon visit temples to worship the Goddess Savitri. Traditional food is another important role so the women cook traditional rice and delicacies. People exchange gifts and pay respect to the elders. Many women and children wear new clothing and decorate their homes with flowers and anything colourful.
