Vat Savriti is one of the most well-known and scared festivals observed by married Hindu women in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Vat Savitri falls on Amavasya Tithi in the month of Jyeshtha i.e. May 16, Saturday, according to Drik Panchang. Vat Savitri Vrat is observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands.ALSO READ: Vat Savitri puja timings, significanceVat Savriti Vrat KathaGoddess Parvati once asked Lord Shankar, “O Lord of Lords, please narrate to me the sacred story of देवी Savitri, the beloved of Brahma, who resides in the holy region of Prabhas. Tell me about the significance of her fast, the history behind it, and how her devotion blesses women with good fortune and prosperity.”Lord Shankar replied, “O Goddess, I shall tell you the extraordinary tale of Savitri, who is revered in the Prabhas region. At a sacred place known as Savitri-Sthal, Princess Savitri observed the noble Vat Savitri Vrat.”Long ago, in the kingdom of Madra, there ruled a noble and compassionate king named Ashvapati. Despite his virtues, he remained childless for many years. Following the advice of learned sages and astrologers, he performed a grand yajna seeking the blessing of a child. As a result of the sacred ritual, he was blessed with a daughter of exceptional beauty and grace, whom he named Savitri. Everyone who saw her believed she was divinely blessed.One day, after worshipping Goddess Savitri, the young princess stood beside her father, radiant like Goddess Lakshmi herself. Seeing that his daughter had come of age, King Ashvapati consulted his ministers and said to Savitri, “My daughter, the time has come for your marriage. Yet no suitable groom worthy of your virtues has been found. Therefore, you must choose a worthy husband yourself. Go with the royal ministers, visit the holy hermitages and kingdoms, and make your choice wisely.”Obeying her father’s command, Savitri travelled through forests, pilgrimage sites, and ashrams accompanied by elderly ministers and sages. After meeting revered saints and visiting sacred places, she eventually returned to the palace.There she found Sage Narada seated with her father. After greeting him respectfully, Savitri explained the purpose of her journey. She said, “In the kingdom of Shalva lives a righteous king named Dyumatsena. Though once powerful, he lost his eyesight and his kingdom was seized by enemies. He now lives in the forest with his wife and son, Satyavan. Satyavan is truthful, virtuous, noble, and compassionate. I have chosen him as my husband.”Hearing this, Sage Narada grew concerned and said to King Ashvapati, “O King, although Satyavan possesses every noble quality, he has one grave flaw—his life is short. Exactly one year from today, he is destined to die.”But Savitri remained firm. She replied, “A king gives his word only once, a wise man speaks only once, and a daughter is given in marriage only once. Whether Satyavan’s life is long or short, I have accepted him as my husband and shall never choose another.”Seeing her unwavering determination, Narada advised the king to proceed with the marriage. Soon, Savitri and Satyavan were married at an auspicious hour, and Savitri began living with her husband and in-laws in the forest.Though happy in her married life, Narada’s prophecy constantly remained in her thoughts. As the foretold day approached, Savitri observed a strict fast without food or water for three days. On the final day, after bathing and offering prayers to the gods and ancestors, she sought the blessings of her in-laws and accompanied Satyavan into the forest.While cutting wood in the forest, Satyavan suddenly complained of severe pain in his head. Savitri gently placed his head in her lap so he could rest. At that moment, she saw a majestic dark-complexioned figure dressed in yellow garments, radiant like the sun, standing before her.Folding her hands, Savitri respectfully asked, “Who are you?”The figure replied, “I am Yama, the god of death. Your husband’s life has come to an end, and I have come personally to take his soul.”Yama then drew Satyavan’s soul from his body and began walking toward Yamlok. But Savitri fearlessly followed him. Yama turned to her and said, “No mortal may walk this path before their destined time.”Savitri replied with calm devotion, “Where my husband goes, there lies my path as well. A wife’s rightful place is beside her husband. Since you are taking him away, I cannot turn back.”Deeply moved by her devotion, wisdom, and unwavering love, Yama was greatly pleased with Savitri.Vat Savitri 2026 Puja TimingsAmavasya Tithi Begins - May 16, 2026 - 05:11 AM Amavasya Tithi Ends - May 17, 2026 - 01:30 AMVat Savitri 2026: Puja RitualsWomen wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath before beginning the rituals.They dress in traditional attire, especially elegant sarees, and adorn themselves with jewellery.Devotees prepare satvik food for bhog and gather puja items such as flowers, haldi, kumkum, a kalash filled with water, and kaccha soot (sacred raw white thread).They then visit a temple or a place where a Vat Vriksha (banyan tree) is present, light a diya with desi ghee, and offer prayers for their husband’s long life, good health, and prosperity.Women circumambulate the banyan tree seven times while tying the sacred white thread around it.After the rituals, they pray for blessings and seek the good wishes of elders in the family.