Celebrated In: India
Vat Pournima is a celebration observed in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, India. Pournima means "full moon" and is celebrated on the full moon day (the 15th) of the month of Jayestha on the Hindu calendar, which falls in June on the Gregorian calendar. Women pray for the prosperity and longevity of their husbands by tying threads around a banyan tree (vat) known as Peepal Puja on this day. It honors Savitri, the legendary wife who rescued her husband's soul from the ruler of the departed, Yam.
On this occasion of Vat Savitri Purnima women keep fast for their husbands, women wear bridal type dresses and jewellery. Their fast is observed the whole night till the next morning. After breaking their fast, fruits, clothes and such other articles are given in charity in a bamboo basket to the Brahmin’s. Women worship a banyan (vat) tree, and listen to the story of Savitri in groups. After all this women can offer prayer and worship. During this puja women pray for good health of their husbands. Women feed water to the tree, sprinkle red powder (kumkum) on it, cotton threads are wrapped round tree’s trunks and then they go seven times round and do the parikrama.
Vat Purnima Vrat is similar to Vat Savitri Vrat. But it must be noted that Vat Savitri Amavasya Vrat is observed during the Amavas (No moon day) in Jayestha month and this Vrat is more popular in Northern parts of India.