The month of Sawan is particularly dedicated to Lord Shiva.
In addition to the Monday rituals, several important fasts and festivals are celebrated during this month, each with its own significance.
In Sanatan Dharma, each of the 12 months of the year has great significance. Each month is marked by various festivals and celebrations. The month of Sawan is especially dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from its spiritual significance, several important fasts and festivals are observed during this period. This year, the month of Sawan will begin on July 22 and end on August 19. According to the Hindu calendar, numerous important fasts and festivals will be observed during this month. Some of the major celebrations include Sawan Somvar (Monday dedicated to Sawan), Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Pradosh Vrat and Raksha Bandhan.
Ayodhya astrologer Pandit Kalki Ram said in an interview that the month of Sawan holds immense importance in Sanatan Dharma due to its dedication to Lord Shiva. During this month, Shiva devotees engage in special worship practices. Every Monday, known as Sawan Somvar, devotees visit Shiva temples to perform Jalabhishek, a ritual involving offering water to Lord Shiva, and observe fasts. Apart from these Monday rituals, other important fasts and festivals are observed in this month, each with its own significance.
Women celebrate Hariyali Teej, fasting and praying for the well-being of their husbands. Nag Panchami involves the worship of snakes, acknowledging their importance in Hindu mythology and seeking their blessings. Pradosh Vrat is celebrated to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvati for prosperity and happiness. Raksha Bandhan, a widely celebrated festival, honors the bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters tying a protective thread (rakhi) around the wrists of their brothers, who in turn promise to protect them.
List of major fasts and festivals in the month of Sawan:
First Monday of Sawan: July 22
Mangala Gauri Vrat: July 23
Gajanan Sankashti Chaturthi: July 24
Kalashtami: July 27 (monthly Krishna Janmashtami fast)
Second Monday of Sawan: July 30
Mangala Gauri Vrat: July 31
Kamika Ekadashi: August 5
Third Monday of Sawan: August 6
Durga Ashtami (monthly): August 7
Hariyali Teej: 8th August
Vinayak Chaturthi: August 9
Nag Panchami: 12th August
Chauth Monday: 13th August
Mangala Gauri Vrat: August 16
Putrada Ekadashi: August 19
Raksha Bandhan: 19th August (falls on the fifth Monday of Sawan)
