Vat Purnima, also known as Vat Savitri Vrat, is a significant Hindu festival observed by married women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The festival is dedicated to Savitri, who is believed to have brought her husband Satyavan back from the clutches of Yama, the god of death. In 2026, Vat Purnima falls in the month of May or June, depending on the lunar calendar.
Correct Date and Tithi for Vat Purnima 2026
According to the Hindu calendar, Vat Purnima is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Jyeshtha month. In 2026, the festival will be celebrated on Friday, May 8. The Purnima tithi begins at 12:34 PM on May 7 and ends at 10:32 AM on May 8, 2026. The shubh muhurat for performing the puja is during the morning hours on May 8.
Shubh Muhurat and Timings
The auspicious time for Vat Purnima puja is from sunrise to noon. On May 8, 2026, the sunrise is expected at 5:33 AM and the noon at 12:16 PM. Women can perform the puja during this period. The vrat (fast) is observed from sunrise to sunset, and the puja is conducted near a banyan tree (Vat Vriksha).
Puja Vidhi and Rituals
On the day of Vat Purnima, married women wake up early, take a bath, and wear new clothes. They then visit a banyan tree and perform the following rituals:
- Tree Worship: The banyan tree is decorated with red cloth, flowers, and garlands. Women tie a sacred thread (kalava) around the tree seven times.
- Fasting: Women observe a strict fast without water (Nirjala Vrat) or with fruits and milk, as per their capacity.
- Offerings: They offer water, milk, fruits, and sweets to the tree. A diya (lamp) is lit, and incense sticks are burned.
- Story Recitation: The story of Savitri and Satyavan is recited or listened to. Women pray for their husbands' long life and prosperity.
- Parikrama: They circumambulate the banyan tree seven times while chanting mantras.
Significance of Vat Purnima
Vat Purnima holds immense importance in Hindu culture. It symbolizes marital fidelity and the power of a wife's devotion. The banyan tree is considered sacred and represents longevity and immortality. By observing this vrat, women seek blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.
In 2026, devotees should follow the correct tithi and muhurat to ensure the rituals are performed auspiciously. It is advisable to consult a local priest or panchang for exact timings based on geographical location.
