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Married women across Odisha observed ‘Sabitri Brata’ today, praying for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Held annually on the Amavasya (New Moon Day) in the month of Jyeshtha, this brata is dedicated to praying for the long life and well-being of husbands.
Rooted in the legendary tale of Sabitri and Satyavan, the brata reflects the unwavering love, sacrifice, and spiritual strength of a devoted wife.
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Devotional Observance across Odisha
From the early hours of the day, temples across Odisha witnessed large gatherings of married women dressed in new colourful sarees, adorned with shankha-sindoor, and carrying ritual items such as flowers, fruits, alta, sindoor, and sacred threads. Women perform special pujas and chant prayers for their husbands' prosperity and longevity.
At the Jagannath Temple in Puri, special rituals were conducted in the shrine of Goddess Sabitri, accompanied by ceremonial rituals that attract large numbers of devotees.
The Legend Behind Sabitri Brata
The brata draws inspiration from the powerful story of Sabitri, the daughter of King Aswapati of Madra. Sabitri chose to marry Satyavan, a prince in exile, despite knowing through Narad Muni’s prophecy that he was destined to die within a year.
After marriage, Sabitri dutifully cared for her husband and in-laws in their forest dwelling. On the day Satyavan was destined to die, Sabitri accompanied him to the forest. As Satyavan collapsed from dizziness while cutting wood, Yama, the God of Death, arrived to take his soul.
Sabitri followed Yama relentlessly, pleading for her husband’s life. Impressed by her devotion, intelligence, and determination, Yama granted her multiple boons—including the restoration of her father-in-law’s eyesight, his lost kingdom, and a hundred sons with Satyavan—ultimately reviving Satyavan to fulfill her last wish.
This tale continues to inspire generations of women, with the brata becoming a symbol of faith, resilience, and marital devotion.
Rituals and Practices
Fasting: Women observe a day-long fast without food or water, consuming only fruits after rituals are completed.
Temple Worship & Home Pujas: While many women go to temples, some perform rituals at home, especially worshipping the Silapua (grinding stone) decorated with turmeric, vermilion, and draped in a new saree.
Listening to Sabitri Brata Katha: The observance is considered incomplete without listening to the tale of Sabitri Brata, often recited under a banyan tree, symbolising the tree where Sabitri’s devotion bore fruit.
Offerings: Devotees offer nine types of flowers and nine types of fruits, including jackfruit, banana, mango, dates, kendu, and pineapple.
Dress Code: Fasting women avoid wearing black or white, instead donning bright sarees and bangles, symbolising auspiciousness and joy.
Respect and Blessings: After completing the rituals, women seek blessings from their husbands and elders and consume bhog (offering food).
