Sawan or Shravan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar has begun today. It is an auspicious month which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and so it holds a special significance. The whole month is considered auspicious to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. Mondays that fall during the Shravan month are considered pious and devotees keep fasts during Shravan month to please the deity. Many Hindus fast every Monday to Lord Shiva and/or every Tuesday to Goddess Parvati. Fasting on Mondays of this month is known ‘Shravan Somwar’ or ‘Sawan Somwar Vrat’. Many devotees observe sixteen Mondays or ‘Solah Somwar’ fasting from first Somwar of Sawan month. Some people also keep fasts on Tuesdays. All Tuesdays or Mangalwar in Shravan month are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Tuesday’s fasting during Shravan month is known as Mangal Gauri Vrat.
Vrat Dates are as follows:
10 July (Monday) First day of Shravana Month
10 July (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
17 July (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
24 July (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
31 July (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
07 August (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
07 August (Monday) Last day of Shravana Month
Sawan: How To Perform Sawan Somvar Vrat?
Following are some points to keep in mind while performing the fast for Sawan Somvars:
Get up early in the morning. Perform all the morning rituals like bathing, wearing clean clothes, etc.
Go to the nearest temple and bathe the Shiva Linga with water, milk, or a mix of both.
Clean the place to perform Puja at home, establish the idol or picture of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
Take the Sankalp (pledge) that you will perform all the Somvar Vrat with full faith and devotion.
In the evening, take bath or you can just clean your hands and feet with water and perform the Puja once again.
Recite or listen to Somvar Vrat Katha.
Recite Aarti with other family members or devotees.
Distribute Prasadam, the sacred food, among all the devotees or family members.
