Savitri Amavasya is a day of fasting observed on the Amavasya, or no moon day, of the Hindu calendar’s third month, Jyestha, which occurs between May and June. This year’s date is May 19. This day is observed in certain northern Indian provinces and Nepal. In some regions of the state of Odisha, the festival is also known as “Sabitri Uwaans.” On this day, married Hindu women in Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh fast and pray for the longevity of their spouses. This religious fasting is considered a covenant by these women.
The background of Savitri Amavasya
Savitri Amavasya is a day of fasting observed during the Hindu month of Jyestha on the Amavasya, or no moon day. The third month of the Hindu calendar, this month occurs between May and June. The date of the no moon day fluctuates annually.
On this day, married women in Nepal and the North Indian states of Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh fast. According to their beliefs, the fast is a vow that strengthens their prayers for the longevity of their spouses.
The day and fast are named after Savitri, one half of the Hindu mythological couple Savitri and Satyavan. There are numerous tales about Savitri and Satyavan, but the earliest are found in the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata.
According to the legends, Savitri was born to King Ashwapati of the Madra Kingdom, which presumably existed in the present-day Indian state of Maharashtra. Saviriti chooses as her spouse Satyavan, the son of the blind King, Dyumatsena. The father of Savitri was informed that Satyavan would pass away within a year. He attempts to persuade her to choose another male, but she refuses to do so.
The fast is modelled after the three-day fast that Savitri observed prior to Satyavan’s predicted demise.
When Yama, the God of Death, appears to claim Satyavan’s soul, he is impressed by Savitri’s fast and eloquence. He offers her everything except the life of Satyavan. Savitri desires that she and Satyavan have 100 offspring. The God of Death, impressed by her intellect, grants her wish for Satyavan’s life, and Yama grants it.
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5 SAVITRI AMAVASYA FACTS THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU
In the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Karnataka, the fast is observed during the month of Jyestha on Vat Purnima, or the full moon.
On the day of the fast, married women venerate and offer sacrifices to Savitri.
As part of the rituals, nine varieties of flowers and nine types of fruits are presented to Savitri.
Brat Katha, the narrative of the fast, is a vital component of the rituals associated with Savitri Amavasya.
After the rituals conclude in the afternoon, the women bow to their spouses and family elders before consuming their first meal of the day.
SAVITRI AMAVASYA DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 30 | Monday |
| 2023 | May 19 | Friday |
| 2024 | June 6 | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 26 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 16 | Saturday |
