Vat Purnima, also known as Vat Savitri Vrat, is a significant Hindu festival primarily observed by married women in Maharashtra and other parts of India

On this day, women fast and worship the banyan tree (Vat Vriksha), tying sacred threads (mantra-infused strings) around its trunk while praying for the long life, health, and prosperity of their husbands

The festival draws inspiration from the legendary story of Savitri, who saved her husband Satyavan from death through her devotion and wit

Women typically visit a banyan tree early in the morning, circumambulate it, and perform the vrat with great fervour, often breaking their fast only after completing the rituals in the evening

The banyan tree holds special sanctity in Hinduism as it is considered a living symbol of Lord Vishnu and is believed to house the spirits of ancestors. During the festival, women, also offer prayers for the well-being of their children and the prosperity of the household while seeking protection from all evils.