Sawan or Shravan is one of the holiest months in Hinduism and is associated with Lord Shiva. The month begins on different dates for those living in North India and those in West and South India due to the presence of two different calendars – the Purnimanta and the Amanta calendars respectively.
Called Sawan in North India, it will begin from July 11 and end on August 9 for those following the Purnimanta calendar. Whereas, it is called Shravan in South India and West India, and will be from July 25 to August 23 for those following the Amanta calendar.
If you’ll be observing fasts and rituals and celebrating the month of Sawan, here’s a handy guide for you!
Sawan 2025: Significance, Somvar Vrat, Dates, And More
Significance Of Sawan Month
The month of Sawan or Shravan is associated exclusively with Lord Shiva as it has connections to the story of the Samudra Manthan in Hindu mythology.
It is said that during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), a lethal pot of poison emerged. To save everyone from it, Lord Shiva stepped in and consumed it entirely.
However, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife, rescued him from the lethal effects of poison. Some iterations of this story also mention that Lord Shiva was saved from this poison when his devotees brought him water from the holy Ganges.
Sawan is thus celebrated in order to pay respects to both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The month is a time of devotion towards the two, with devotees holding special fasts on Mondays to please Lord Shiva.
The month is also associated with rain – this is the time when the monsoon reaches its peak in most parts of India. Since the rain has immense significance in Indian culture, the month is a celebration of this divine force of nature that sustains human life.
Somvar Vrat: Fasting On Mondays
An important ritual in the month of Shravan 2025 is the observance of special fasts on Mondays. It is because Lord Shiva is believed to have saved the moon (also called ‘Som’) from a curse.
The Moon God then descended into Shiva’s matted locks to express his gratitude, and this is why Shiva is especially worshipped on Somvar!
Many devotees observe strict fasts, meaning no food or water throughout the day. Whereas, some observe the fast by having fast-appropriate food like milk, fruits, and dry fruits.
They also engage in spiritual practices, pooja, and reciting devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Here are the important dates for followers of both the Amanta and the Purnimanta calendars:
| Calendar | Shravan Month Beginning Date | Shravan Month Ending Date | First Monday |
| Purnimanta | July 11 | August 9 | July 14 |
| Amanta | July 25 | August 23 | July 28 |
Also, many devotees, particularly unmarried women, observe the 16 Somvaar (16 Mondays) fast starting from the first Monday of Shravan.
They observe fasts and engage in spiritual practices for 16 consecutive Mondays to gain peace, prosperity, and find an ideal partner.
It is said that Goddess Parvati practiced the 16 Somvaar ritual to please Lord Shiva, which is why many women across India observe this ritual in hopes of finding a husband like Shiva.
Rituals And Spiritual Practices In The Month Of Shravan 2025
Shravan 2025 is a month of devotion and perseverance, where devotees engage in different spiritual practices and rituals. Here are a few of them listed below:
Somvar Vrat
Devotees observe fasts on consecutive Mondays in the month of Sawan. They do so by eating fast appropriate foods or doing strict fasting, offering bilva leaves to Shivalingam, chanting the name of Lord Shiva, and singing devotional hymns and songs.
Mangala Gauri Vrat
Married women observe the Mangala Gauri Vrat to pray for the longevity of their husbands and a prosperous married life. They dress up in traditional attire, sing and dance, and chant devotional hymns associated with Goddess Parvati.
Rudra Abhishek
A Rudra Abhishek ritual is a sacred Vedic ritual that involves reciting divine chants while offering water, milk, and Narmada water on the Shivalingam. This powerful ritual is said to bring peace, prosperity, and protection to devotees.
Summing Up
We hope you found this guide to the Shravan month super helpful! The holy month dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati will be celebrated in different time frames in North India and South and West India.
Devotees observing the month of Shravan engage in various rituals and spiritual practices to connect with the Divine entity in a more profound way.
So, if you too, are a spiritual person and looking forward to celebrating this month, stay tuned for more information!
