Dr. Sudipta examines the rituals of Savitri Brata, where a wife – millions of them – fast for the long life and prosperity of her husband. Shouldn’t husbands fast too, she asks, exclusively for Different Truths.

From time immemorial, we have been fasting. “We” here means women and every woman who believes in the rituals and traditions of our country.

On this glorious day, a married Hindu lady fasts for her husband and takes as much as strains to maintain her integrity by letting no stones unturned. In this Amavasya (New Moon)Tithi, millions of women fast for the well-being of their husbands with great devotion and dedication.

For a long time, this has been continuing. I have never seen a husband who keeps a fast and wishes for the wellness of his wife.

Though, according to medical science, it’s fruitful to keep a fast for at least a day in a week. Then why doesn’t a husband dedicate a day to the longevity of his beloved wife? I am not a feminist. I only desire equal treatment from society.

Let’s unveil the dirty scenario. Breaking News: On the auspicious day of Savitri, a drunkard husband beats his wife. The wife succumbs to her injuries.

And there is another side of the story also. Hence, the moral of the story is that a relationship should be valued and honoured by both parties.

A good relationship always seeks parity with a tint of acceptance and respect. A woman who is fasting for her husband only needs love, some percentage of attention only. Nobody is forcing a husband to remain thirsty and hungry throughout the day. A wife only yearns for affection for the selfless sacrifice she renders for her family for ages.

Celebrate the festival with a flavour of compassion. Be empathic to your loved ones. Festivals are meant to enjoy the cherished moments with your loved ones. Nobody should misinterpret the meaning of festivals.

Responsibilities also encompass sharing and caring for the burden of each other in a family. One should not accomplish their duties only by satiating materialistic things.

A festival always demands commitment from the members of a family. So, when a wife wishes and prays for the interest of her spouse, in return, she should be offered loyalty from her better half. She deserves the kind attention of her companion only.

Let’s fix the pure meaning of a festival by celebrating a primary bond between our body and mind.

And a couple must understand the meaning of Brata Savitri. Why does our Goddess Savitri embark on an unimaginable quest? Why did she rebel against death?

Because Savitri didn’t consider her husband and herself as two individuals and vice versa. Her spouse was also breathing with her essence. This mythical story has a lofty significance for our society. We need to realise it.

Every festival signifies high cultural values in our country. Particularly, the idea behind this celebration is to glorify the oneness of husband and wife like Shiva and Shakti.

It’s the celebration of the manifestation of Ardhanariswara, where two people merge into one entity. One fails to attach identity in the absence of the other one. This abstract and sublime kind of love is beyond the understanding of trivial people.

Hence, to stabilise and boost the importance of marriage and our rich heritage, we need to commemorate such a lively festival even once a year.

We need to brush off the archaic mindset of putting the burden on the shoulders of a lady to bear the entire pressure to justify her chastity every time. Her partner is needed to uphold the dignity of marriage by acknowledging the values of such festivals where both can display the same amount of love for each other.

Let’s shower the petals of care and affection for the women in our lives — daughters, mothers, and sisters and each one to whom we can relate.

Support them by choice, not force.

Picture composed from the internet

Dr. Sudipta Mishra

Dr Sudipta Mishra is an Indian author and poet. She is an erudite scholar of English language literature in the Puri District of Odisha. She is a source of inspiration for the young generation of this country. Her free verse in romantic and melancholic poems is appreciated around the world. She has penned more than a hundred articles.

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