Shravan — known as Sawan in much of North India — is the most sacred month for the worship of Lord Shiva. In 2026, the month of Shravan begins on Thursday, July 30 (in the Purnimanta calendar followed across North India). Throughout the month, devotees fast, offer water and bilva leaves to the Shivalinga, and chant Om Namah Shivaya.

Sawan / Shravan 2026 Start Date

In North India (Purnimanta tradition), Shravan begins on July 30, 2026, the day after Guru Purnima. The exact start can vary by region: states following the Amanta calendar (such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) begin Shravan a little later. Always confirm with your regional panchang.

Shravan Somvar: The Sacred Mondays

Mondays (Somvar) are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Mondays of Shravan — Shravan Somvar — are considered especially powerful. Devotees observe a vrat (fast), visit Shiva temples, and perform abhishekam of the Shivalinga with water, milk, honey and bilva (bel) leaves. Unmarried women pray for a good spouse; married women pray for the well-being of their families.

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Other Observances in Shravan

  • Mangala Gauri Vrat: observed by women on the Tuesdays of Shravan, dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
  • Rudrabhishek: the elaborate ritual bathing of the Shivalinga while chanting the Rudram, performed throughout the month.
  • Kanwar Yatra: devotees (Kanwariyas) carry holy Ganga water to offer at Shiva temples.
  • Nag Panchami and other festivals also fall within the Shravan period.

How to Observe Shravan

  • Offer water and bilva leaves to a Shivalinga daily, if possible.
  • Chant Om Namah Shivaya or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
  • Keep a simple, sattvic diet; many devotees avoid non-vegetarian food, onion and garlic during the month.
  • Observe the Shravan Somvar fast according to your capacity and tradition.

Shravan and Chaturmas

Shravan opens the Chaturmas period, which begins with Devshayani Ekadashi on July 25, 2026 — when Lord Vishnu is said to enter cosmic sleep. These four months are traditionally devoted to extra prayer, fasting, charity and spiritual discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Sawan start in 2026?

In North India, Shravan (Sawan) begins on Thursday, July 30, 2026; Amanta-calendar regions begin a little later.

Why are Mondays important in Shravan?

Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Shravan Somvar fasts and abhishekam are believed to be especially blessed.

Browse more Hindu festivals, and read about Guru Purnima 2026 and Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026.