Harshvardhan Mishra
Introduction: What is Sawan and Why is it Special?
The month of Sawan (Shravan), observed as a sacred period in the Hindu calendar, is especially devoted to Lord Shiva. This monsoon season is considered highly auspicious for Shiva devotees who observe fasts and offer prayers with complete dedication every Monday, known as Sawan Somwar.
Sawan is not just a spiritual month—it is a celebration of nature, devotion, and inner purity. The dates of Sawan vary based on regional calendars across India and Nepal, with fasting traditions followed by millions of devotees.
Sawan Somwar Vrat Dates 2025: Region-Wise Breakdown
📍 1. North Indian States
Regions Covered: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh
- Shravan Begins: Friday, July 11, 2025
- 1st Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 14, 2025
- 2nd Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 21, 2025
- 3rd Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 28, 2025
- 4th Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 4, 2025
- Shravan Ends: Saturday, August 9, 2025
This region follows the Purnimant lunar system, where months begin the day after the full moon. These Mondays are observed with Shiva Abhishek, mantra chanting, and day-long fasts.
📍 2. South and West Indian States
Regions Covered: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, Goa, Tamil Nadu
- Shravan Starts: Friday, July 25, 2025
- 1st Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 28, 2025
- 2nd Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 4, 2025
- 3rd Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 11, 2025
- 4th Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 18, 2025
- Shravan Ends: Saturday, August 23, 2025
These states follow the Amavasyant calendar, where the month starts after the new moon day. The observances are identical in spirit, though the dates differ from the northern states.
📍 3. Nepal, Uttarakhand (hill areas), Himachal Pradesh (hill areas)
Nepali Vikram Samvat 2081 – 2082
- Shravan Begins: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
- 1st Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 21, 2025
- 2nd Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 28, 2025
- 3rd Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 4, 2025
- 4th Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 11, 2025
- Shravan Ends: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Nepal and adjoining hill regions follow a blended solar-lunar system in the traditional Nepali Panchang.
Spiritual Meaning of Sawan Somwar Fasting
Sawan Somwar is a day set aside to express deep devotion to Mahadev, the destroyer of evil and the lord of yogic power.
✨ Why Fast on Mondays?
- Mondays are believed to be Lord Shiva’s day (Somwar).
- Fasting helps attain mental clarity, peace, and spiritual growth.
- Devotees believe Lord Shiva is easily pleased and grants boons during Sawan.
Common Rituals During Sawan Somwar Vrat
✅ Morning Puja:
- Take a holy bath, preferably before sunrise.
- Clean the prayer space and install a Shiva idol or picture.
✅ Abhishek Items:
- Milk, water (Ganga Jal), honey, ghee, curd
- Bilva leaves (Bel Patra), white flowers, bael fruits, dhatura
✅ Mantras and Bhajans:
- “Om Namah Shivaya”
- “Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra”
- Recite Shiva Purana stories or listen to Shiva Bhajans
✅ Vrat Food:
- Fruit-based meals
- Sabudana, vrat ke chawal, boiled potatoes
- Avoid grains, onion, garlic, and salt (for strict vrat)
Customs and Do’s & Don’ts During Sawan
✔️ What to Do:
- Visit temples or offer prayers at home.
- Observe a calm, disciplined routine.
- Perform charity or offer food to Brahmins or sadhus.
❌ What to Avoid:
- Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco
- Using foul language or gossiping
- Cutting nails or hair on Mondays
Kanwar Yatra and Other Festivals in Sawan
Lakhs of Shiva devotees known as Kanwariyas take part in the annual Kanwar Yatra, bringing Ganga Jal from Haridwar, Gaumukh, or Sultanganj to offer to Jyotirlingas.
Related Observances:
- Hariyali Teej – Celebrated by women for marital joy
- Nag Panchami – Worship of snake gods
- Raksha Bandhan – Festival of sibling bonding
- Pradosh Vrat – Falls twice a month during Sawan
Why Do Sawan Dates Differ Across Regions?
The main reason is the calendar system used:
- North India: Purnimant system (month starts after full moon)
- South & West India: Amavasyant system (month starts after new moon)
This causes a two-week difference between start dates, but the essence of devotion remains universal.
Conclusion
Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 offers a divine opportunity for spiritual elevation, purification of thoughts, and fulfillment of wishes. Observing these fasts with sincerity and faith draws devotees closer to Lord Shiva’s infinite grace.
No matter where you live—North, South, or across the border in Nepal—the month of Shravan binds all devotees in a spiritual rhythm of faith, ritual, and renewal.
