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This year, the Vat Savitri Vrat will be observed on May 16, 2026. Married women undertake this fast to pray for the longevity of their husbands and for eternal marital bliss. On this day, women worship the Banyan tree; they wrap raw cotton thread around it while performing circumambulation (Parikrama) and pray to the Divine for their husbands' happiness and prosperity. It is believed that the Banyan tree serves as the abode of the three principal deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Consequently, the worship of the Vat Vriksha (Banyan tree) is considered to hold special significance on this day.

Women offer water at the roots of the tree and present *Roli* (vermilion paste), *Akshat* (sacred rice grains), flowers, fruits, and items symbolizing marital bliss. Following this, they perform circumambulations—circling the tree 7, 11, 21, or 108 times—while wrapping the raw thread around it. Many women also fan the tree using a bamboo hand-fan. It is believed that the hanging aerial roots of the Banyan tree embody the divine presence of Goddess Savitri.

**The Significance of Vat Savitri Vrat**

Mahant Kameshwaranand Vedantacharya of Ballabhgarh explains that this year, the Vat Savitri Vrat falls on a Saturday, which further enhances its significance. According to the Hindu *Panchang* (almanac), this day marks the *Shanishri Amavasya* (New Moon) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of *Jyeshtha*; it is also traditionally observed as the birthday of Lord Shani (Saturn). According to mythological legend, beneath a Banyan tree, Goddess Savitri—empowered by the strength of her unwavering marital devotion (*Pativrata Dharma*)—reclaimed the life of her husband, Satyavan, from Lord Yama (the God of Death). Savitri steadfastly pursued Lord Yama until she succeeded in bringing her husband back to life. Since that time, women have observed this fast to pray for the longevity of their husbands.

Mahant Kameshwaranand Vedantacharya further notes that the Banyan tree is revered as the dwelling place of the three supreme deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. When women fan the tree with bamboo fans, their underlying sentiment is that they are providing relief to the deities from the heat. Furthermore, the raw thread wrapped around the tree is regarded as a symbol of love and an unbreakable bond. Some women wrap a thread around the tree 7 times, others 11 times, some 21 times, and still others 108 times.

**Women Wash Their Husbands' Feet**
Mahant Kameshvaranand Vedantacharya explains that, after the worship ceremony, many women return home to wash their husbands' feet, as they revere their husbands as divine beings. Since the observance falls on a Saturday this year, this fast is considered particularly auspicious for the residents of Faridabad. On this day, people should perform *parikrama* (circumambulation) around Peepal and Banyan trees, and offer donations of black umbrellas, black slippers, sesame seeds, and mustard oil. Doing so is believed to provide relief from the adverse effects of *Shani's Sade Sati* and *Dhaiya* periods, thereby ensuring a blissful life.

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