Bhubaneswar: Invoking the blessings of the Almighty and seeking a long and health life for their husbands, married Hindu women in large numbers observed ‘Sabitri Brata’ Tuesday with fasting and prayers.
Various shrines including the Puri Jagannath temple and the Lingaraj temple witnessed large gatherings of women of all ages, clad in new clothes and wearing bright red bangles. They offered puja for the wellbeing of their better half. Puja thalis with the ritualistic sindoor, alta, fruits and flowers were offered to the gods and goddesses, as a part of their brata.
Priests at temples performed special worships, chanting mantras and recalling the sacrifices of Goddess Sabitri – the mythological woman who had saved her husband Satyaban from the hands of Yamraj – the God of Death.
“The day is very special for us, the married woman. We performed pujas for the longevity of our spouses. This apart, it is also believed that the Sabitri Brata fasting accords health and prosperity to the family,” said a house wife.
Another fasting woman said she would take only fruits through the day. “As the day is hot, I will take some fruit juice,” she added.
