Vat Purnima, also known as Vat Savitri Vrat, is an important fast observed on the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month. Women observe this fast for their
husband’s long life, good health and a happy married life. "However Vat Savitri Vrat could be considered as an exception. In Purnimanta calendar Vat Savitri Vrat is observed during Jyeshtha Amavasya which coincides with Shani Jayanti. In Amanta calendar Vat Savitri Vrat, which is also called as Vat Purnima Vrat, is observed during Jyeshtha Purnima," states the website of Drik Panchang. However, in 2026, there is a confusion regarding the date of the fast because of Adhik Maas. Many women are wondering whether Vat Purnima will be observed on 30 May or later. Here is everything you need to know.
Correct date of Vat Purnima Vrat 2026
According to the Hindu calendar, the full moon of Jyeshtha falls on 30 May 2026. However, this year Jyeshtha includes Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottam Maas, which runs from 17 May to 15 June 2026. Vat Purnima Vrat is not observed during Adhik Maas.Therefore, Vat Purnima Vrat will be observed on 29 June 2026. This date falls after Adhik Maas and is considered the valid Jyeshtha Purnima for the vrat.
Importance of Vat Purnima Vrat
Vat Purnima Vrat is celebrated with great devotion in North India, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttarakhand. On this day, women observe a nirjala fast and worship the Vat tree, or banyan tree.According to Hindu mythology, Savitri brought her husband Satyavan back to life after his death by pleading with Yama, the god of death. Inspired by this story, women observe this fast for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands.
Vat Purnima Puja Vidhi
On the day of Vat Purnima, women wake up early, take a bath and wear red or yellow clothes. They perform the traditional sixteen adornments. A bamboo basket is prepared with seven types of grains, fruits, flowers, roli, kumkum, raw cotton thread, a diya, saree and other beauty items.Women then visit the Vat tree, light a lamp, circle the tree and wrap the raw thread around it. Kumkum and turmeric are applied to the tree, and offerings of gram and jaggery are made. Women seek blessings from their husbands by touching their feet, offer prasad and fan them with a bamboo fan. During the पूजा, the story of Savitri and Satyavan is also recited.
Why is the vrat not observed during Adhik Maas?
Adhik Maas is also known as Purushottam Maas. This month is generally dedicated to spiritual cleansing, prayers and the removal of negative influences rather than major religious observances and rituals. For this reason, important vrats such as Vat Purnima are observed only after Adhik Maas ends. It is believed that observing the vrat during Adhik Maas does not bring its complete benefits, while keeping it on 29 June with proper devotion and discipline is considered more auspicious.Rules and precautions for Vat Purnima Vrat
This vrat is traditionally observed without water. During the fast, women avoid rice, salt, grains and even fruits. Observing the vrat on the correct date instead of during Adhik Maas is believed to bring greater spiritual benefits. Vat Purnima Vrat symbolises a woman’s love, dedication and prayers for her husband’s long life and marital happiness. In 2026, because of Adhik Maas, the vrat will be observed on 29 June 2026. Women should not observe the fast on 30 May. Observing the vrat with devotion on the correct date is believed to bring the blessings of Goddess Savitri.Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
