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Savitri Brata embodies the essence of marital devotion and spiritual resilience. Observed by married Hindu women, this sacred vow is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, whose determination saved her husband, Satyavan, from the clutches of Yama, the god of death. In 2025, Savitri Brata will be celebrated on May 26, coinciding with the Amavasya (no moon day) in the Hindu month of Jyeshta. This festival, deeply rooted in the Mahabharata, continues to inspire women across Odisha to pray for the longevity and well-being of their husbands.
The significance of Savitri Brata lies in its narrative of love and courage. As per the Mahabharata, Savitri, the virtuous daughter of King Aswapati, chose Satyavan as her husband despite knowing he was destined to die within a year. When Yama arrived to claim Satyavan’s soul, Savitri’s devotion and clever dialogue led to the granting of three boons, ultimately restoring her husband’s life.
How to do Savitri Brata Puja 2025 at home in Odisha?
The observance of Savitri Brata is marked by a series of meticulous rituals that reflect Odisha’s rich traditions. On the morning of May 26, 2025, married women rise early, take a purifying bath, and adorn themselves in new clothes, bangles, and vermilion, which is applied on the forehead and along the hairline. The grinding stone, known locally as sila pua, symbolizes Goddess Savitri and is cleaned and worshipped with offerings of rice, wet pulses, and seasonal fruits such as mango, jackfruit, and banana. Women observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset, dedicating their prayers to the well-being of their husbands.
A key ritual involves the recitation or listening to the Savitri Brata Katha, the story of Savitri and Satyavan. In many households, women gather under a banyan tree (Vat Vriksha) to perform the puja and circumambulate the tree while chanting mantras, including the revered Gayatri Mantra. The fast concludes after sunset with the consumption of the bhoga (offered food), and women seek blessings from elders and their husbands.
When to break the Savitri fast?
Savitri Brata fosters a sense of community as women come together to perform rituals, share stories, and exchange greetings. It also highlights the role of women in preserving traditions, as they meticulously prepare offerings and uphold the sanctity of the vow. In rural and urban Odisha alike, the festival is a testament to the enduring values of loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual respect within marriage.
Generally, women observe Vat Savitri vrat in a group. They observe fasting for three days and break it on the fourth day. It starts on Trayodashi day and ends on Purnima or Amavasya. Moreover, Savitri Brata carries social importance by reinforcing familial harmony. The act of fasting and praying is believed to invoke divine blessings, promoting peace and prosperity in households. In some regions, parents or brothers contribute to the puja expenses. The festival also encourages intergenerational bonding, as elders narrate the katha to younger generations.
What to eat in Savitri puja?
After breaking the fast, sweets made from jaggery and sesame seeds are served, and in some families, laddoos and barfis are also made for the women by their mother-in-laws or the family elders.
In 2025, Savitri Brata will continue to blend tradition with contemporary relevance. While the core rituals remain unchanged, modern celebrations often incorporate community gatherings and cultural events. Savitri Brata is embraced by many Odia women as a celebration of their agency and devotion. As Namrata Chadha, a former member of the State Women’s Commission, notes, the festival is an opportunity to honor tradition while maintaining authenticity, avoiding excessive materialism. Through fasting, prayers, and rituals, married women will honor the legacy of Savitri, whose story continues to inspire resilience and love.
