Shravan Month Fasting Guide — Sawan 2026
The holiest month for Lord Shiva devotees • July–August 2026
About Shravan Month
Shravan (also called Sawan) is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, falling in July–August. It is considered the holiest month for devotees of Lord Shiva. The entire month is dedicated to Shiva worship, with Mondays (Shravan Somvar) being especially sacred.
According to Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), the deadly poison Halahala emerged and threatened to destroy all creation. Lord Shiva drank the poison to save the universe, and Goddess Parvati pressed his throat to prevent it from going further, turning his throat blue — earning him the name Neelkanth.
Devotees offer water and milk to the Shiva Lingam during Shravan to cool the effect of the poison. The Kanwar Yatra, where millions of devotees carry Ganga water to their local Shiva temples, takes place during this month.
Key Dates in Shravan 2026
| Event | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Shravan Month Begins (Purnimant) | July 11, 2026 (approx.) | North India (after Guru Purnima) |
| Shravan Month Begins (Amant) | July 26, 2026 (approx.) | South/West India (after Amavasya) |
| 1st Shravan Somvar | July 13, 2026 | First Monday fast of Shravan |
| 2nd Shravan Somvar | July 20, 2026 | Second Monday fast |
| 3rd Shravan Somvar | July 27, 2026 | Third Monday fast |
| 4th Shravan Somvar | August 3, 2026 | Fourth Monday fast |
| Nag Panchami | July 26, 2026 (approx.) | Worship of serpent deities |
| Hariyali Teej | July 28, 2026 (approx.) | Festival for married women |
| Raksha Bandhan | August 8, 2026 (approx.) | Brother-sister bond; Shravan Purnima |
Note: Exact dates depend on your location and Panchang calculations. Use Today's Panchang for precise timings.
Shravan Fasting Rules
Shravan fasting rules are stricter than regular Somvar Vrat. Many devotees observe strict vegetarianism for the entire month, with additional fasting on Mondays.
- 1Wake before sunrise and take a holy bath. Wear clean, preferably white or light-coloured clothes.
- 2Visit a Shiva temple or perform abhishekam on a Shiva Lingam at home with milk, water, bilva leaves, and dhatura.
- 3Strict vegetarian diet throughout the month — no onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food.
- 4On Somvar (Monday) fast days: consume only fruits, milk, and sabudana. Avoid grains and salt (or use sendha namak).
- 5Break the Monday fast after sunset or after evening Shiva puja.
- 6Offer water (Jal Abhishek) to Shiva Lingam daily, especially on Mondays.
- 7Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times daily using a Rudraksha mala.
- 8Read or listen to Shiva Purana and Somvar Vrat Katha during the month.
- 9Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and tamasic food throughout the entire month.
- 10Practice celibacy (brahmacharya) during Shravan for maximum spiritual benefit.
Shravan Somvar vs Regular Monday Fast
| Aspect | Regular Somvar Vrat | Shravan Somvar Vrat |
|---|---|---|
| Merit | Standard | 100x greater (as per texts) |
| Strictness | Fruits and milk | Many observe nirjala (waterless) |
| Temple Visit | Recommended | Essential — special abhishekam |
| Jal Abhishek | Optional | Daily — especially with Ganga water |
| Duration | Any Monday year-round | Only 4–5 Mondays in Shravan month |
Regional Differences
North India (Purnimant Calendar)
Shravan begins after Guru Purnima and ends on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan). This is the most common observance in UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP, and Delhi. The Kanwar Yatra is a major tradition — devotees carry Ganga water on foot to pour on their local Shiva Lingam.
South India & West India (Amant Calendar)
Shravan begins after Amavasya in Ashadha. In Maharashtra, the month is associated with the Shravan Shukla observances. In Tamil Nadu, the corresponding month is Aadi, and in Karnataka, it is Shravana. The festivals overlap but the month boundaries differ by roughly 15 days.
Gujarat
In Gujarat, the entire Shravan month is observed with strict vegetarianism even by those who normally eat non-vegetarian food. Many restaurants in Gujarat serve only vegetarian food during Shravan.
Shravan Mantras
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya — The supreme Shiva mantra, chant 108 times daily
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् | उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra — Powerful for health, protection, and longevity
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shravan month considered so holy?
Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to mythology, this is the month when the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) took place, and Lord Shiva consumed the Halahala poison to save the universe. Devotees fast and worship Shiva during this month to express gratitude and seek blessings. The monsoon season also makes it ideal for spiritual practices.
What is the difference between Purnimant and Amant Shravan?
In North India (Purnimant calendar), Shravan begins after Guru Purnima (full moon in Ashadha). In South and West India (Amant calendar), it begins after the new moon (Amavasya) in Ashadha. The festivals observed are the same, but the month boundaries differ by about 15 days.
Can women observe Shravan Somvar Vrat?
Yes, Shravan Somvar Vrat is observed by both men and women. Unmarried women fast to pray for a good husband (like Lord Shiva), and married women fast for their husband's long life and well-being. There are no gender restrictions on this vrat.