Bhubaneswar: Married Hindu women across the state of Odisha are today observing the auspicious Savitri Brata, a significant annual festival dedicated to seeking the longevity and well-being of their husbands. The celebration, also known as Jyestha Amavasya, sees women observing a day-long fast and engaging in elaborate rituals with immense devotion.
From the coastal plains to the western highlands, the air in Odisha is thick with religious fervor. Women, adorned in traditional attire, including new sarees, bangles, and vermilion, began their day with purifying baths and then flocked to temples, while many others performed the rituals at their homes. Priests are in high demand to conduct the special pujas associated with the Brata.
The central theme of Savitri Brata revolves around the legendary tale of Savitri and Satyavan from the Mahabharata. Savitri, through her unwavering devotion and intellect, famously challenged Yama, the God of Death, and successfully brought her husband Satyavan back to life. By observing this Brata, women emulate Savitri’s profound dedication and pray for a similar blessed existence for their spouses.
A key ritual involves the worship of the banyan tree (Vat Vriksha), which symbolizes longevity and stability, believed to house the Hindu Trinity – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. Devotees tie sacred threads around the banyan tree and offer a variety of seasonal fruits, including mangoes, jackfruits, bananas, and local produce like kendu and palm fruits, along with wet pulses and rice. The fasting women meticulously listen to or recite the ‘Savitri Brata Katha,’ narrating Savitri’s inspiring story.
Throughout the day, temples across Odisha, from the ancient shrines of Puri and Bhubaneswar to local village temples, are witnessing a surge in women devotees, each immersed in prayer and supplication. The day-long fast, often observed without consuming food or water, culminates in the evening after the completion of the rituals and prayers, followed by partaking in the holy ‘bhoga’ (offerings made to the deity).
The state government had recently rescheduled the public holiday for Savitri Amavasya from May 27 to May 26, 2025, after consultations with religious authorities and almanac experts, ensuring that women could observe this deeply revered festival on the most auspicious date.
Savitri Brata is more than just a religious observance; it is a vibrant cultural expression that reinforces the values of love, commitment, and mutual well-being within marital relationships, continuing to inspire and unite generations of Odia women.