Shravan (Sawan) 2024: Know the starting dates, significance, rituals—all you need to know

It serves as a powerful reminder of the Hindu tradition’s emphasis on spiritual development, devotion, and the cultivation of a deeper understanding of one’s place within the cosmic order. Here is all you need to know.

Shravan 2024: Dates and timings

As per the Purnimant calendar, which is followed by North Indian states, the Shravan month starts fifteen days before the Amanta calendar. In 2024, the beginning of Sawan Monday this year starts on July 22 (Monday), in the auspicious Preeti and Sarvartha Siddhi Yog, and will end on August 19th (Monday).

Notably, this year, there’s a unique coincidence that there are five Mondays in the month of Shravan: July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, and August 19. During this month, there are several auspicious days listed below, which are considered ideal for blessings and good fortune.

Shravan 2024 – Calendar:

Shravan is a very important month in Hinduism. It is considered the most holy month of the year and is devoted to Lord Shiva. Furthermore, the month is connected with the monsoon season, which is considered favourable for agricultural pursuits.

Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva during this month brings benefits, prosperity, and the fulfilment of wishes. People go through several prayers and fasts to seek Lord Shiva’s heavenly blessings and spiritual progress.

One of the most significant ceremonies is the ‘jalabhishek‘, or water offering, to the Shiva Linga. This act represents purity and dedication. Devotees also do ‘rudrabhishek‘, a particular puja for Lord Shiva, to seek his heavenly blessing.

Rudra Abhishek Puja (Source: Himalaya Vedic World)

There are five auspicious Mondays (Sawan Somwar) during Shravan when worshipping Lord Shiva is considered especially meaningful. Mangala Gauri Puja, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Parvati, is observed on four dates during Shravan.

While devotees offer prayers, and make offerings to Lord Shiva, some of them participate in pilgrimages or perform special rituals and observe fasts, particularly on Mondays (Shravan Somvar) abstaining from water and specific foods, while particularly following a Saatvik diet.

Shravan fasting 2024: Do’s and don’ts while observing fasts

What to do:

• Perform the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva daily to please him and seek his divine blessings.
• Devotees can also do the Abhishek of Lord Shiva according to their zodiac sign.
• It is considered auspicious to do Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, honey, sugar, curd, and ghee) Abhishek of Lord Shiva early in the morning. Devotees can also offer bilva leaves to Lord Shiva.
• Worshipping the Rudraksha and wearing a Rudraksha Mala in Sawan is very fruitful.
• Devotees should also chant the mantras of Lord Shiva by holding the Rudraksha Mala.
• Women can also observe the Mangal Gauri Vrat during this month.
• Devotees should chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra daily, 108 times.
• Donating essential items to the poor and needy is also considered beneficial.

What not to do:

• Do not consume any kind of food during the fasting period in Sawan.
• During Sawan, do not consume onions, leafy vegetables, radishes, garlic, etc.
• Eating meat or drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited in the month of Sawan.
• If men have resolved to observe the fast of Sawan, then they should not shave for the entire Sawan month.
• Breaking the fast in the middle after taking the Sankalp of fasting in Sawan is considered a sin.

*Kindly note: These guidelines are provided on the Devdarshan website. For personalised guidance, it is always recommended to consult a pandit.*