Bhubaneswar, June 6: Today, across Odisha, married women are observing Sabitri Brata, a significant ritual aimed at ensuring the good health and prosperity of their husbands. This observance entails fasting and offering special prayers to various Hindu deities, particularly to the revered Banayan tree, believed to be inhabited by Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Lord Maheswar.
Legend has it that women seek the longevity of their spouses by venerating this ancient tree, known for its enduring presence. Sabitri Brata falls on the Amavasya (no-moon) day in the Odia month of Jyestha, with this year's date marked as June 6.
From the early hours of the morning, numerous temples and sacred sites have been inundated with married women, who present offerings such as fruits, milk, ghee, bangles, vermilion, and sacred threads. After dedicating these offerings to the deities, the women adorn themselves with bangles, vermilion, and threads as symbols of devotion.
Popular temples across Odisha, including the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar, Dhabaleswar temple in Cuttack, and the Jagannath temple in Puri, have witnessed a surge in devotees. Devotees also flocked to the Biraja temple in Jajpur, where the goddess appeared in a special form, drawing large crowds .
