Pativrata

Pativrata, also spelled pativrata or pativratya, is a Hindu vow observed by married women to honor and seek the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The term comes from Sanskrit pati ("husband") and vrata ("vow" or "fast"). The tradition is linked to the devotion of Goddess Parvati to her husband Shiva and is often cited as an ideal of conjugal fidelity and household harmony. It remains common in parts of India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and northern states, with regional variations.

Observance typically involves a day-long fast or longer during a chosen lunar season, commonly Shravan or Kartik. Fasting rules vary by community; some women refrain from all food and drink, while others permit water or light meals. The day usually starts with a purifying bath, wearing red attire, and the drawing of holy symbols. The central ritual is the Pativrata Katha, a devotional narrative, performed in honor of Parvati and her husband. Offerings are made to the goddess and to the family deity, and prasadam is shared.

The vrat ends with the breaking of the fast, known as parana, followed by communal meals. The practice also reinforces social networks of women who observe the vow together or share experiences. In modern contexts, Pativrata is sometimes discussed in relation to gender roles and marital ideals, though many view it as a cultural tradition that can emphasize mutual care and respect within marriage.