Prayagraj: Women take holy dip in Sangam on 'Vat Savitri Puja'

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 6 (ANI): Several devotees took holy dip at the Sangam in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Vat Savitri Puja on Thursday.
Speaking to ANI, Shobha Mishra, one of the devotees present at the ghat, said, "Today it's an auspicious occasion of Vat Savitri and on this day, we women fast for our husband's longevity. I came here to take a holy dip and now heading towards the house to prepare meals. I'll come again at exactly 12 pm to complete the worship rituals."

One of the priests at Sangam, named Gopal explained the reason behind this festival celebration and said, "You must have heard about Savitri and Satyavan. Savitri was immensely dedicated to his husband. When his husband died, she worshipped Yamraj all day and night. On the basis of her fidelity towards her husband and her constant efforts, Yamraj sent his husband back to earth. To mark this day and seek blessings for husband's longevity, financial stability and serenity at home, married women of India celebrate Vat Savitri Puja."
He further stated, "The women who believe in Sanatan Dharma, on this day, take a holy dip in Ganga and circumambulate towards banyan trees 108 times to mark the longevity of their husband and family and seek blessings for peace and stability at home."

Another devotee, Rita Singh conveyed the reason and process of worship, she stated, "Savitri had sought blessings of Yamraj for his husband and this is why we celebrate this festival by taking a holy dip at Sangam and worshipping her. On this day, we worship Vat (banyan tree) and offer fruits, flowers, hand fan (handmade bamboo fan) and various things, which are further donated to the needy."

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended his heartiest and warm wishes to all the married women on the auspicious occasion of Vat Savitri Puja. He further prayed for their happy and prosperous married life.
In a post to X, Uttarakhand CM Dhami wrote, "Heartiest wishes to all the married mothers and sisters on the occasion of Vat Savitri puja, a symbol of unbroken good fortune. On this auspicious occasion, I pray to God for your happy and prosperous married life."
As per the Hindu Vedic Calendar, Vat Savitri Puja is celebrated every year on Jyeshtha Amavasya. This fast is observed by married Hindu women for the well-being and long life of their husbands.
On this day, married women worship the banyan tree, which is a symbol of Lord Vishnu and pray for the long life of their husbands. (ANI)