Vat Purnima is one of the highly auspicious fasts in Indian culture that is similar to the Vat Savitri Vrat. The nirjala fast, where people don’t consume anything for an entire day, is observed by married women as they pray for the long life of their beloved husband. They dress up to their very best and adhere to the solah shringar ritual. The festival is celebrated by women across Nepal, North India (which includes Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana), Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat.
The story behind celebrating the auspicious festival to honour Goddess Savitri who brought her husband Satyavan back to life from Yamraj with her persistent behaviour. According to the Hindu scriptures, she was given three boons by Yamraj, after she refused him to take Satyavan’s soul with him. In her boon she requested to get her father-in-law’s eyesight back, the lost kingdom of her father-in-law and to become a mother to 100 sons. Which led to Yamraj giving back Satyavan’s life as Savitri couldn’t reproduce without her husband.
During the fast, women often apply henna on their hands. From intricate and detailed designs to easy and bold patterns, the internet is filled with beautiful designs that one can apply within minutes during the festival. Here’s a look at some of the best Arabic, Indian, Trail, Floral and Rajasthani designs women can apply during their Vat Purnima fast.
If you haven't decided on the henna design or pattern you'll use to adorn your palms for Vat Purnima, we have put together some possibilities for you.
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