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 the legendary story of Savitri and Satyavan, where Savitri's devotion and wit brought her husband back from the clutches of Yama, the god of death. In 2026, there is confusion regarding the exact date of Vat Purnima, with some sources suggesting May 30 and others June 29. This article clarifies the correct date, shubh muhurat, and vrat katha.
Correct Date of 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 Jyeshtha Purnima begins on May 30 at 11:28 AM and ends on May 31 at 1:19 PM. Therefore, the correct date for Vat Purnima is May 30, 2026. Women observing the vrat should perform the puja on May 30.
Shubh Muhurat for Vat Purnima 2026
The auspicious time for performing the Vat Purnima puja is during the Pradosh Kaal (evening time) on May 30. The Pradosh Kaal starts at 5:30 PM and ends at 8:30 PM. Women can also perform the puja in the morning after sunrise. It is recommended to observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise and break the fast after seeing the moon.
Vat Savitri Vrat Katha
The vrat katha narrates the story of Savitri, a princess who married Satyavan, a prince destined to die within a year. On the predicted day of his death, Savitri accompanied Satyavan into the forest. When Yama came to take Satyavan's soul, Savitri followed him. Impressed by her devotion, Yama granted her three boons. Savitri cleverly asked for her father-in-law's eyesight, the restoration of his kingdom, and finally, a hundred sons from Satyavan. Yama granted the boons, but when Savitri insisted on having children, Yama was forced to return Satyavan's soul. Thus, Savitri's devotion conquered death.
Significance of Vat Purnima
Women observe this vrat with great faith, tying a thread around a banyan tree (Vat Vriksha) and performing rituals. The banyan tree symbolizes longevity and is considered sacred. By observing this vrat, women seek the same blessings as Savitri—a long and prosperous married life.
How to Perform Vat Purnima Puja
On the day of Vat Purnima, women wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. They visit a banyan tree or plant a twig if no tree is available. The puja involves offering water, flowers, fruits, and sweets to the tree. A sacred thread is tied around the tree, and the vrat katha is recited. The fast is broken after sighting the moon in the evening.
In conclusion, Vat Purnima 2026 will be observed on May 30. Women should follow the correct date and muhurat to ensure the vrat's efficacy. The story of Savitri continues to inspire devotion and the power of a wife's love.
