Introduction Vat Savitri is observed on the Amavasya (New Moon) or Purnima (Full Moon) of Jyeshtha month. Married women tie a sacred thread around a Banyan (Vat) tree, praying for their husband’s long life. The Banyan tree represents the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).

The Story (Vrat Katha) Savitri was the daughter of a King. She chose Satyavan as her husband, even though he was a woodcutter living in the forest and was destined to die in one year.

On the predicted day of his death, Savitri accompanied Satyavan to the forest. While cutting wood, Satyavan felt dizzy and fainted. Lord Yama, the God of Death, arrived to take Satyavan’s soul.

Savitri followed Yama. Yama tried to send her back, but she refused, saying a wife’s place is with her husband. Impressed by her wisdom and devotion, Yama offered her three boons—but forbade her from asking for Satyavan’s life.

- For her first boon, she asked for eyesight for her blind father-in-law. Granted.

- For her second, she asked for her father-in-law’s lost kingdom. Granted.

- For her third, she cleverly asked: “Lord, grant me a hundred sons.”

Yama said, “Tathastu” (So be it). Then he realized his mistake—Savitri could not have sons without her husband! Bound by his own word, Yama had to release Satyavan’s soul. Satyavan woke up under the Banyan tree as if from a deep sleep.