For married women, Vat Savitri Vrat is considered as important as Karva Chauth Vrat. Worship of the Banyan tree (*Vat Vriksha*) on this day has special significance, because this tree is always green. For this reason it is considered a symbol of unbroken marital life and stability. The banyan tree produces new trees from its roots – symbolizing life, rebirth and continuity – and this sentiment is deeply linked to the purpose of this fast.
It is believed that Goddess Savitri had saved the life of her husband Satyavan by the spiritual power (*power*) of this fast. Since this fast is observed twice in the month of Jyeshtha, it is important for women to know the correct dates; Apart from this, women who are observing this fast for the first time should also know about the customs and rules related to it.
**Vat Savitri Vrat: 16th May or 17th May?**
In areas of North India – like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi etc. – women observe this fast on the *Amavasya* (new moon) day of the month of Jyeshtha. This occasion is known as *Vat Amavasya*. Most of the people keep fast on this special day. Vat Savitri Amavasya is falling on May 16, 2026; This day has brought a very auspicious coincidence, because this day is Saturday and it is falling with *Sanichari Amavasya*.
**Date (Lunar Date):** Jyeshtha Amavasya Tithi will start at 5:11 AM on May 16, 2026 and end at 1:30 PM on May 17, 2026.
**Pooja Muhurat (Pooja Time):** 7:12 AM to 8:24 AM.
**Vat Savitri fast twice in Jyeshtha month**
Actually, Vat Savitri Vrat is observed on different dates in different regions. Apart from Jyeshtha Amavasya, there is a fixed tradition of observing Vat Savitri Vrat on Jyeshtha Purnima (full moon day) also. In Maharashtra, Gujarat and some parts of South India, this fast is observed on the day of Jyeshtha Purnima, also known as *Vat Purnima*.
**Jyeshtha Purnima (Vat Purnima):** June 29, 2026
**Date (Lunar Date):** Jyeshtha Purnima Tithi starts at 3:06 AM on June 29, 2026 and ends at 5:26 AM on June 30, 2026. Puja Muhurta (auspicious time for puja) – 8:55 am to 10:40 am.
**How to observe Vat Savitri fast for the first time**
If you are observing Vat Savitri Vrat for the first time, make sure that the *Suhaag* items (symbols of marital happiness) used in the puja ceremony are from your maternal side. It is believed that by doing this one gets the blessings of happiness, prosperity and unbroken good fortune in married life.
Wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear a red saree and adorn yourself with *Solah Shringaar* (sixteen traditional ornaments). For the *Vatavriksha* (banyan tree) puja at the end of the day, collect all the required puja items – which should also include a fan with a bamboo handle – in a bamboo basket.
Then, go to the *vat* (banyan tree), clean the area around it and purify the place by sprinkling the sacred Ganga water. Along with Lord Shiva, also worship Goddess Savitri and Satyavan. Next, circumambulate the tree seven times, and wrap a sacred thread around the tree with each circumambulation.
On the day of Vat Purnima, avoid wearing black, white or blue colored clothes. Also, avoid wearing bangles or wrist jewelery of these particular colors as it is considered inauspicious according to tradition.