Savitri Puja

Religious observance on the new moon in
the lunar month of Jyeshth (May–June),
celebrating the virtue of Savitri, who rescued her husband Satyavan from the
clutches of Yama, the god of Death. This
observance is usually kept only by
women, to promote the health and
longevity of their husbands, and thus
ensure them a long married life. As a
woman whose entire energies were
directed toward the well-being of her
family, Savitri is a cultural model for
Indian women; her ability to save her husband from death demonstrates her virtue
and cleverness as well. Women observing
this rite worship Savitri, Satyavan, and
Yama; keep a strict fast (upavasa) before
the worship; and after worship eat only
fruit for the rest of the day.