Sabitri Brata (also known as Savitri Brata or Savitri Amavasya; Odia: ସାବିତ୍ରୀ ବ୍ରତ) is a festival observed by married Hindu women in Odisha. It falls on the Amavasya, the no-moon day, in the month of Jyeshtha (May-June). On this day, married women fast and pray for their husband's long life, health, and prosperity. They also worship Goddess Savitri, who is regarded as a symbol of loyalty, devotion, and courage.
2024 Sabitri Brata Date: 6 June 2024, Thursday
The legend behind Sabitri Brata:
The festival is based on the legend of Savitri and Satyavan, which is narrated in the Mahabharata. Savitri was the beautiful daughter of King Aswapati of Madra Desa. She chose Satyavan, a prince in exile who lived in the forest with his blind father Dyumatsena, as her husband. She left her palace and lived with her husband and his parents in a humble hut.
One day, while Satyavan was cutting wood in the forest, he felt dizzy and fell down from a tree. Savitri rushed to his side and found him dead. Then Yama, the god of death, appeared to take away his soul. Savitri pleaded with Yama not to separate her from her husband. She followed him as he carried Satyavan's soul to his abode.
Yama was impressed by Savitri's love and determination. He offered her three boons, but she could not ask for Satyavan's life. Savitri cleverly asked for her father-in-law's eyesight, her father's prosperity, and a hundred sons for herself and Satyavan. Yama granted her wishes and was about to leave.
Savitri then pointed out that Yama had contradicted himself by granting her a hundred sons without restoring Satyavan's life. Yama realized his mistake and praised Savitri's intelligence and virtue. He returned Satyavan's life and blessed them with happiness and longevity.
Sabitri Brata is a festival of fasting and faith for married Hindu women. It is a day when they express their love and gratitude to their husbands and Goddess Savitri. It is also a day when they celebrate their strength and dignity as women.
N.B.: All the images are taken from Sweta Biswal and Ipsitaa Mahapatra.
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