Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Friday announced modification in the date of upcoming Sabitri Amabasya, which is a holiday at offices acrossthe state.
Official sources said that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a proposal on revision of Sabitri Amabasya holiday.
As per the revised date, Sabitri Amabasya has been declared an official holiday on May 26 (Monday) instead of May 27 (Tuesday).
Earlier, Sabitri Amabasya was scheduled on May 27 as per the government holiday list.
However, the government decided to reschedule the holiday date to May 26 after holding consultation with Puri Mukti Mandap priests, other religious institutions and various bodies involved in creating Hindu almanac. With this revision, all government offices and institutions of the state government will remain open on May 27.
Sabitri Amabasya holds great significance among Hindu married women as they observe fast on this auspicious day for the longevity and well being of their husbands.
Sabitri Bratai falls on Amavasya Tithi (new moon) in the month of Jyestha (May-June). It is dedicated to Sabitri, whose story has been told in the Mahabharata to illustrate the power of woman’s chastity and devotion to her husband.
Legend goes that Sabitri’s husband Satyaban was destined to die within a year of his marriage. Yama appeared on the appointed day to take away Satyaban’s soul, but Sabitri pleaded with him to spare her husband’s life. Moved by Sabitri’s determination and devotion for her husband, Yama finally conceded and Satyban was brought back to life with five boons which she manages to extract from him.
