The sacred festival of Vat Purnima Vrat, symbolising feminine strength, unwavering love, and sacrifice. It is being observed today, June 10, 2025. On this occasion, married Hindu women undertake a nirjala vrat—fasting without food or water—to pray for their husbands’ long life, health, and marital happiness.
Significance of Vat Purnima
Vat Purnima is rooted in the inspiring legend of Savitri and Satyavan, where Savitri’s dedication and wisdom compelled Yamaraj, the God of Death, to restore her husband’s life. The festival celebrates her virtues of loyalty, courage, and determination—qualities that women seek to emulate through this vrat.
Another key element of the observance is the Vat Vriksha (banyan tree), believed to embody the divine presence of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. Hence, worshipping the Vat tree during this vrat is considered highly auspicious.
Observance Period
Vat Purnima Vrat follows the Vat Savitri Vrat, which was observed on May 26, 2025.
According to the Hindu calendar, the Jyeshtha Purnima tithi began at 11:35 AM on June 10 and will end at 1:13 PM on June 11. June 10, 2025 is the main day of observance this year.
Rituals and Traditions
On Vat Purnima, women begin the day with a purifying bath, dress in clean clothes and perform Solah Shringar (sixteen adornments). The Vat tree is worshipped with offerings of water, haldi-kumkum, and sacred red threads tied around the trunk during seven circumambulations (parikrama).
Women also listen to or recite the story of Savitri and Satyavan, donate food and essentials to the needy, and maintain personal and environmental cleanliness. Observing the vrat with utmost devotion is central to the day’s significance.
Dos and Don’ts for Vat Purnima
✅ Take a bath and wear clean clothes
✅ Perform Solah Shringar
✅ Worship the Vat tree using haldi-kumkum and water
✅ Listen to or read the story of Savitri and Satyavan
✅ Circumambulate the Vat tree seven times, tying a sacred red thread
✅ Follow nirjala vrat with full devotion
✅ Donate to those in need
✅ Maintain peace, cleanliness, and harmony
🚫 Avoid arguments or disputes
🚫 Do not cut or wash hair
🚫 Refrain from consuming food or water on the day of the vrat; have a sattvic meal the previous day
Regional Observance
While Vat Purnima is prominently celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat, northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar observe a similar tradition known as Vat Savitri Vrat on the Amavasya of Jyeshtha, 15 days earlier.
At its heart, Vat Purnima honours the strength and devotion of women, their prayers for familial well-being, and the timeless message of love that transcends fate. As thousands of women today perform rituals under the shade of the Vat tree, the legacy of Savitri continues to inspire.
