The name Sarita finds its origins in the Sanskrit language of ancient India. It is a feminine name derived from the Sanskrit word "sarit," which means "river" or "stream." The name is believed to have gained popularity in the Indian subcontinent as early as the 5th century BCE.

Sarita is often associated with Hindu mythology and religious texts. In the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, there is a reference to a river goddess named Sarita. This river goddess is revered for her purifying and life-giving properties, much like the sacred rivers of India.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Sarita can be found in the works of the Sanskrit scholar and poet, Kalidasa, who lived in the 4th-5th century CE. In his celebrated work, Meghaduta, Kalidasa mentions a character named Sarita, who is described as a beautiful and graceful woman.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Sarita. One such woman was Sarita Devi (1904-1989), an Indian freedom fighter and social reformer who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. She was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and worked tirelessly for the empowerment of women and the abolition of social evils like child marriage.

Another prominent figure with the name Sarita was Sarita Vihar (1923-2013), an Indian poet and writer who wrote extensively in the Hindi language. Her works often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. She was honored with several prestigious literary awards, including the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors.

In the field of classical Indian dance, Sarita Ravi (1919-2003) was a renowned exponent of Bharatanatyam, a major form of Indian classical dance. She was instrumental in popularizing and preserving this ancient dance form and received numerous awards for her contributions, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors.

Sarita Joshi (born 1944) is an acclaimed Indian actress who has made significant contributions to Hindi theatre, television, and cinema. She is best known for her portrayal of strong, multidimensional female characters and has won several awards for her performances, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Sarita Srivastava (born 1956) is an Indian social activist and environmentalist who has dedicated her life to the conservation of the Ganga River and its ecosystems. She founded the organization "Ganga Bachao Andolan" (Save Ganga Movement) and has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the sacred river from pollution and environmental degradation.