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Sawan 2023 Start Date: Referred to as Shravan, this festival honours Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and will be celebrated from July 4 to August 31 in 2023. This year, Sawan will extend for a duration of two months, which is a rarity seen after almost two decades. The elongation is attributed to the inclusion of the “Malamas” month, an additional month inserted into the Hindu lunar calendar to maintain synchronisation with the lunar cycle. As 2023 observes the presence of this extra month, the celebration of Sawan will be prolonged by one month compared to the usual duration. Consequently, instead of the customary four Mondays and four Tuesdays dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, 2023 will witness an abundance of eight Mondays and eight Tuesdays to commemorate these deities.
Falling on the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, each Monday (Shravan Somwar) is devoted to Lord Shiva, and each Tuesday to Goddess Parvati during the month of Sawan. On Tuesdays, it is common to observe fasts for Goddess Parvati. This fast, Drik Pachang says, is known as Mangal Gauri Vrat. The legend, myth, and significance of this holy festival have much impact on Hinduism and the Hindu lunar calendar. As such, Sawan is observed as the holiest month in Hinduism.
History and Significance
Legend has it that Lord Shiva drank poison through Samudra Manthan to get amrit (nectar) for saving the world. However, Goddess Parvati held his neck and saved him from the poison which resulted in further pain and injuries to Lord Shiva.
A part of Sawan tradition is for Lord Shiva’s devotees to bring him holy water from the river Ganga so his wounds could heal. Moreover, fasts kept on Shravan Shomvar is called Shravan Shomvar Vrats and are kept to thank Lord Shiva and also to pray for prosperity, success, and marriage. Since this month is entirely devoted to Lord Shiva, many consider it his favourite month.
Important Dates
The festival commences on July 4 and concludes on August 31, with eight Mondays in between.
10 July 2023 – First Shravan Somwar
17 July 2023 – Second Shravan Somwar
24 July 2023 – Third Shravan Somwar
31 July 2023 – Fourth Shravan Somwar
7 August 2023 – Fifth Shravan Somwar
14 August 2023 – Sixth Shravan Somwar
21 August 2023 – Seventh Shravan Somwar
28 August 2023 – Eighth and final Shravan Somwar
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