Vat Purnima, also known as Vat Savitri Purnima or Vat Savitri Vrat, is an important Hindu festival observed by married women, especially in Maharashtra.
Celebrated on the Purnima (Full Moon Day) of Jyeshtha month, the festival commemorates the devotion of Savitri, whose determination and faith restored the life of her husband Satyavan.
In Maharashtra the festival is popularly known as Vat Purnima while in many parts of North India it is referred to as Vat Savitri Vrat or Vat Savitri Amavasya.
On this day, women observe a vrat, worship the sacred Vat Vriksha (Banyan Tree), and pray for Akhand Saubhagya, marital harmony, prosperity, and the long life of their husbands.
The festival is deeply connected to the legendary Savitri-Satyavan story and remains one of the most widely observed traditional vrats in Maharashtra.
This article provides you all the details about Vat Purnima 2026, including the date, tithi, muhurat, puja vidhi, vrat katha, significance, and celebrations in Panchavati, Nashik.
Vat Purnima Rangoli, Ukhane, Images and Quotes in Marathi (मराठी भाषेत वाचा)
When is Vat Purnima in 2026?
Vat Purnima will be celebrated on 29 June 2026 which is the Purnima Tithi (full moon day) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha.
These dates are as per the Amanta calendar system followed in Maharashtra.
Vat Purnima Date & Tithi
- Date : 29 June 2025
- Tithi starts : 8.35 am 28 June 2026
- Tithi ends : 8.48 am 29 June 2026
As per the Udaya Tithi principle (the day on which the tithi sees the sunrise), this year the festival will be celebrated on 29 June 2026.
Vat Purnima Shubh Muhurat
- Muhurat Starts : 8.55 am
- Muhurat Ends : 10.40 am
Although the pooja can be performed from early morning till afternoon, the Shubh Muhurat or the best time for performing the rituals is from 8.55 am to 10.40 am on 29 June 2026.
The Significance of Vat Purnima
Vat Purnima also known as Vat Savitri honours the eternal love and devotion of Savitri, the devoted wife who saved her husband Satyavan from death through her determination and prayers.
According to legend, Savitri’s unwavering dedication impressed Yama, the God of Death, who granted her husband a second life. The festival symbolizes marital fidelity and the strength of a devoted wife.
It is believed that by observing this Vrat (fast) and performing rituals under the Banyan tree (Vat vriksha), married women can ensure the well-being, prosperity, and long life of their husbands.
The Vat Vriksha or banyan tree is sacred in Hindu culture, representing immortality and eternal life, and it was under the Vat Vriksha or banyan tree that Satyavan came back to life, making it a central element in Vat Purnima celebrations.
Vat Purnima Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
Preparations Before the Vat Savitri Vrat
Women wake up early in the morning, take bath and perform pooja at home, dress up in their best sarees or traditional attire and wear Saubhagya Alankar or the ornaments that symbolise the married status of a woman.
These include the sindoor applied on the parting of hair on the head or the top of the forehead, bindi or tikli on the forehead between the eyebrows, Mangalsutra, bangles, jewellery, Jodwe (silver toe rings) and Painjan or silver anklets also known as payal.
They then undertake a fast till sunset and abstain from eating. While taking a light fruit meal is acceptable, some women undertake the Nirjala Vrat or not taking any kind of food and abstaining from water as well.
Articles required for the Vat Purnima Pooja
- Haldi, kumkum, akshata, bangles, and mangalsutra
- Dhoop or incense sticks & matchsticks, vidyaachi paane (betel leaves)
- Diva or small lamps along with oil or ghee and Vaat (wicks)
- Flowers, Haar or Mala (flower garlands) and the pooja thali (plate)
- Five kinds of fruits with Mango being the most prominent
- Shringar ornaments of a married woman
- Bundle of cotton thread to tie around the banyan tree
- Water filled tambya (small copper pot)
Vat Savitri Vrat Puja Vidhi
- Worshipping the Vat Vriksha
Women visit a Banyan tree near their home or a temple. They collectively perform the rituals assisted by brahmin priests who chant the related mantras of the occasion. - Rituals
Rituals include making offerings and performing Aarti to the Vat Vriksha, honouring Savitri Mata, and performing Pradakshina (circling and tying a cotton thread around the tree). - Offerings
Offerings of water, rice, flowers, betel leaves, and sweets are made to the tree while chanting prayers dedicated to Savitri and Satyavan. - Storytelling
The story of Savitri and Satyavan is narrated or read aloud, reinforcing the virtues of devotion and marital fidelity. - Giving of Vaan
Women give fruits and other offerings to each other, including mangalsutra of black manis, exchange good wishes, and apply haldi kumkum on each others’ foreheads. - Fasting
Most women observe a strict fast for the entire day, some taking only fruits and water, while others may fast until sunset. - Breaking the Fast
After sunset, the fast is broken with family prayers and a special meal at home with the whole family.
Vat Purnima Celebrations in Panchavati Nashik
Panchavati, being the cultural heartland of Nashik and also an ancient pilgrimage destination, observes the festival with great enthusiasm.
Women gather at the Sita Gufa temple which is located under the shadows of the five Vat Vrikshas (banyan trees) which gave this region the name Panchavati (Panch means five and Vati means garden) – a garden of five sacred banyan trees.
The day is marked by community gatherings, devotional songs, and recitation of the Vat Savitri Katha (the tale of Savitri and Satyavan).
Many also visit sacred rivers and holy places like Ramkund on the banks of the Godavari in Nashik and temples across the city, which holds special religious significance during Vat Purnima.
Why is Vat Savitri Important Today?
Vat Savitri Vrat is a religious observance and also a celebration of marital harmony and the sacred bond between husband and wife.
It reminds couples of the virtues of commitment, patience, and love.
With increasing urbanization, festivals like Vat Purnima help preserve cultural values and strengthen family bonds.
Vat Savitri Purnima FAQs
When is Vat Purnima in 2026?
Vat Purnima will be observed on Monday, 29 June 2026. The Purnima Tithi begins at 8:35 AM on 28 June 2026 and ends at 8:48 AM on 29 June 2026.
What is the significance of Vat Purnima?
Vat Purnima symbolizes devotion, marital harmony, prosperity, and Akhand Saubhagya. The festival commemorates the dedication of Savitri for her husband Satyavan and is observed by married women who pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
Why is the Banyan Tree worshipped on Vat Purnima?
The Banyan Tree, or Vat Vriksha, is regarded as a symbol of longevity, stability, and eternal life. It is also associated with the story of Savitri and Satyavan, making it an integral part of the festival.
What is the Vat Savitri Vrat Katha?
The Vat Savitri Vrat Katha narrates the story of Savitri, whose unwavering devotion, wisdom, and determination compelled Yamraj, the god of death, to restore the life of her husband Satyavan.
Is Vat Purnima and Vat Savitri the same festival?
Yes. In Maharashtra, the festival is commonly known as Vat Purnima or Vat Savitri Purnima and is observed on Jyeshtha Purnima. In many parts of North India, it is celebrated as Vat Savitri Vrat or Vat Savitri Amavasya on Jyeshtha Amavasya.
