Sawan 2023: When Is Shravan Month Starting This Year? Here's All You Need To Know

Shravan is considered the holiest month of the year in Hinduism. Sawan Ke Somwar is Lord Shiva's most auspicious day. Sawan Ke Somwar refers to the entire Monday of the Hindu calendar month Shravan.

The month of Shravan or Sawan will begin on July 4, and end on August 31 (Representational Image)

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Hindus regard the month of 'Sawan', also known as 'Shravan month', as auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. Every Monday during this month, devotees observe 'Shravan Somwar' or 'Sawan Somwar', a fast. They also pray to Lord Shiva for his blessing. Many worshippers fast for sixteen Mondays, or 'Solah Somwar', beginning with the first Somwar of the Sawan month. While Mondays are reserved for Lord Shiva, all Tuesdays or Mangalwar in Sawan month are reserved for Goddess Parvati. Fasting on Tuesday during Sawan month is known as 'Mangal Gauri Vrat', according to Drik Panchang. Other auspicious days in Shravan month include Sawan Shivaratri and Hariyali Amavasya.

WHEN IS SAWAN MONTH BEGINNING? 

After about 19 years, the month of Shravan dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva will be celebrated for two months this year, and the main reason for this is 'Malamas'. The month of Shravan or Sawan will begin on July 4, 2023, and end on August 31, 2023.

Malamas, formerly known as 'Adhikmas', is a three-year extra month that falls between the months of February and October.

Sawan Somvar Vrat 2023: 

First Monday of Sawan: 10 July 2023

Second Monday of Sawan: 17 July 2023

Third Monday of Sawan: 24 July 2023

Fourth Monday of Sawan: 31 July 2023

Fifth Monday of Sawan: 7 August 2023

Sixth Monday of Sawan: 14 August 2023

Seventh Monday of Sawan: 21 August 2023

Eighth Monday of Sawan: 28 August 2023

Solah Somvar Vrat: 

Some devotees continue to fast on Monday even after Sawan. Beginning with the first Somwar (Monday), they fast for the next sixteen Mondays. The sixteen-day fasting period is known as Solah Somwar Vrat. The weekly Monday fast was observed for one day, and food was consumed only once in the evening. Sawan generally observes fasting during the months of July, August, and September.

SIGNIFICANCE OF SAWAN MONTH: 

According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva consumed the poison that arose from the ocean during the 'Samudra Manthan' and thus saved the world. As a result, his devotees observe the Sawan or Shravan month to pray to the Lord, who always protects and blesses his followers with good health and fortune.

Sawan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, falling between July and August. Devotees observe fasts and pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a peaceful and prosperous life on this special occasion. They also go on 'Kanwar Yatra', where they collect water from holy rivers and carry Kanwars on their shoulders to offer to Shivlingas at nearby temples. Every year, thousands of devout pilgrims make the journey. Furthermore, it is said that the holy water should not be kept on the floor or any other surface until it is offered to Lord Shiva.