Bhubaneswar, May 26 (PTI) Married women across Odisha on Monday observed Sabitri Puja for the longevity and well-being of their husbands, symbolised by the ‘Sindoor’ (vermilion).

Women of various ages thronged temples — particularly those dedicated to Laxmi-Narayan — and gathered around banyan trees to perform the Sabitri Brata rituals.

The puja is held annually on the new moon day in the month of Jyeshtha (May–June), according to the traditional Hindu calendar.

“On the occasion of Savitri, the great festival of Odia culture and tradition, I extend my best wishes and greetings to all the Sadhva (married) mothers and sisters. I pray for a long and blessed married life for every Sadhva woman,” Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wrote on X.

The state government has declared the day a holiday.

The festival is dedicated to Sabitri, who, according to Hindu mythology, became a symbol of unwavering devotion and strength.

She is believed to have confronted Yamraj, the god of death, to bring her husband Satyaban back to life.

The story of Sabitri’s bravery and spiritual resolve is found in the Mahabharata, said Bhaskar Mishra, a researcher in Shree Jagannath culture.

Mishra said a special puja is performed in the Jagannath Temple in Puri on the occasion PTI AAM AAM MNB