Special Occurrences of Vat Purnima

 

Marriage is an awaited phase of life by many men and women. We all dream of the special person who we will spend our whole life and create a family. It’s a blessing and should be kept sacred. However, one should never be pressured if it doesn’t happen or come at the planned time. 

India, a land of plenty, women look forward to marriage life and the goodies that come with it. It's the gracious ceremonies that make it memorable and amazing. As the journey begins it's the couple's responsibility to cater to each other and make their marriage thrive.

Vat Purnima

For Hindu women, they take a religious step of a special fast for their husbands’ well-being and long lives. Vat Purnima is an incredible and significant festival celebrated by all Hindu married women. It’s a symbol of respect and devotion towards one’s husband and marriage.

Vat Purnima is observed through a three-day fast where women pray and worship the banyan tree. In worship married women seek blessings and prosperity of their families. Though set for married women the festivals are also open to unmarried women.

Unmarried women can take up the fast and pray for suitable suitors. During the festival, the unmarried women wear beautiful yellow outfits as they present their prayers to the deity.  Vat Purnima is not just a fasting and devotion day but a joyous and happy moment to celebrate martial bonds.  

History of Vat Purnima

Vat Purnima festival dates back thousands of years and is generated from the special deities Savitri and Satyawan. The two fell in love but Satyawan was to die within a year. However, Princess Savitri vowed that she would ensure he doesn't die.

But as it was destined Satyawan died within the said timeframe. He was in the forest cutting some wood at the Banyan tree. Yamraj appeared and took his soul as it was promised. However, Savitri was deeply hurt and always prayed and begged for his husband's life. Yamraj was moved by Savitri's devotion and cry and brought back Satyawan. Their relationship was true and full of love and should be emulated by all married people.

Date and timing

Vat Purnima is celebrated annually with thousands of women taking part in the fascinating occasion. The 2024 Vat Purnima is set for the month of June 21^st, 2024. In Hinduism, the festival aligns with Jyeshtha and Amavasvya which happens to happen during Shani Jayanti.

2024 Vat Purnima

The 2024 Vat Purnima will start at 7:31 am June 21^st, 2024, and end at 6:37 am 22^nd June 2024. However, some states in India such as Southern India states, Gujarat, and Maharashtra will celebrate the Vat Purnima later (15 days from the actual Vat date in the Northern India states).

Banyan Tree and Vat Purnima

The Banyan tree holds great significance during the Vat Purnima celebration and Hindu culture. The tree is a symbol of popular deities namely:

·         Brahma

·         Vishnu

·         Shiva

This brings a perfect representation of the three-day fast which starts two days before the special Vat Purnima day in Jyeshtha.

Fascinating rituals observed during Vat Purnima

On the auspicious day, women need to perform various rituals.

v  In the evening hours the women bath and worship the famous Goddess Savitri and Satyawan.

v  The worship is conducted under the Banyan tree, where they dress in amazing attires decorated in incredible colors.

v  The women wear vibrant bangles and jewelry.

v  They also apply vermillion visible on the forehead.

v  From the Banyan tree, the women pluck a leaf and put on their beautiful hair.

Once dressed and prepared one should perform the following rituals:

• ·         Day one the married women apply sesame paste and amla.
• ·         Next, they should use the roots of the Banyan tree for the Vat Purnima Vrat.
• ·         One needs to paint or get an image of the Banyan tree which they will worship for the three fasting days.
• ·         During the fourth day, women need to wake up early, bath, and display the idol of Satyawan Savitri and Yamraj at the respective Banyan tree.
• ·         Women dress in new clothes, wear jewelry, and apply vermillion.
• ·         As the celebrations continue, the married women are expected to pour or sprinkle vermillion around the Banyan tree.
• ·         For unmarried women, taking part in the festivals, they dress in yellow sari and pray to the deities for a great husband.
• ·         The women go around the tree seven times as they pray and worship.
• ·         Afterwards one can break the fast by having Prasad (mango, jack fruits, banana, lemon, and wet pulses).

Vat Purnima helps married couples strengthen their marriage and love. This keeps families happy and full of love and care.

FAQs

1. 1.      What is Vat Purnima?

This is an incredible festival celebrated by Hindu married and unmarried women. The celebrations are done to pray for their husband's long life and blessings. Unmarried women also participate in praying for good future husbands.

1. 2.      Why is the Banyan tree special during Vat Purnima festivals?

The tree is significant as it represents the three special deities Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.

1. 3.      What is the dress code for unmarried women celebrating Vat Purnima?

As they pray for good husbands, unmarried women should wear yellow sari during the festivals.