Sawan 2025: Dates, Significance and All You Need to Know

The month of Sawan, also known as Shravan, is one of the holiest and most auspicious periods in the Hindu calendar. Entirely dedicated to Lord Shiva, this month is marked by deep devotion, fasting, Rudrabhishek rituals and devotional singing. The start and end dates of Sawan vary across regions due to different regional calendars, but the spirit of faith and devotion remains constant everywhere.

The Purnimanta calendar is followed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The Amanta calendar is prevalent in Maharashtra andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Nepal and some Himalayan regions follow a solar calendar.

Why Do Dates Differ Across Regions?

The main reason for the difference in Sawan dates is the use of two lunar calendar systems:

• Purnimanta Calendar (North India): The month begins the day after the full moon.
• Amanta Calendar (South & West India): The month begins the day after the new moon.

As a result, Sawan starts about 15 days earlier in North India compared to the South

Spiritual Significance of Sawan and Somwar Vrat

Sawan is especially dear to Lord Shiva. Fasting on Mondays, performing Rudrabhishek (ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam), chanting Shiva mantras and visiting temples are considered highly auspicious during this month.

• Unmarried women observe Somwar fasts seeking blessings for an ideal life partner.
• Others keep the fast for health, prosperity and spiritual growth.

Popular Rituals and Traditions

• Fasting: Devotees usually eat fruits, milk, or light vegetarian food without salt.
• Rudrabhishek: Offering water, milk, honey and bel leaves to the Shiva Lingam.
• Kanwar Yatra: Pilgrims bring Ganga water to offer at Shiva temples.
• Bhajans and Prayers: Devotional songs and Shiva mantras are recited throughout the month.

What to Do During Sawan

• Perform Jalabhishek (water offering) on the Shiva Lingam every Monday.
• Chant the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra regularly.
• Donate food or clothes to those in need.
• Foster love and harmony within family and society.
• Maintain purity in thoughts, words and actions.

Sawan: A Festival of Inner Purity and Devotion

Sawan is not just a set of dates-it is an opportunity for self-purification, devotion and surrender to Lord Shiva. This month inspires discipline, faith and service. Sincere worship during Sawan brings positive energy and peace into life. Deepen your devotion this Sawan, dedicate yourself at the feet of Shiva and let your life find new direction. With faith and devotion, every difficulty becomes easier and life is filled with new enthusiasm and energy.