The month of Sawan is considered a very auspicious time in Hinduism as it marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar year. It is the time when devotees offer special prayers and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This year, the month of Sawan will start from 4th July and will go on till 31st August. It will be a 59 days long festival with 8 Sawan Mondays instead of the usual 4 like every year. It is celebrated on the Monday of the Hindu month of Shravan. It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva on Mondays is especially fruitful as he is said to be in a particularly benevolent mood during this period.
On these days, devotees worship various forms of Lord Shiva and make offerings to him. Some people also observe a fast on this day as a symbol of penance and purity. Prayers and offerings are made to Lord Shiva throughout the month of Sawan and Sawan ends on Monday.
Special significance of Sawan 2023:
The special significance of this year’s Sawan is that the festival will last for 59 days due to a rare phenomenon happening after 19 years. Reportedly, according to the Hindu calendar and astrological calculations, Adhik Maas or Mal Maas has increased the length of the month of Sawan this year.
Sawan or Shravan Monday Dates According to Drik Panchang:
4 July 2023, Tuesday – Shravan begins
July 10, 2023, Monday – First Shravan Somwar Vrat
17 July 2023, Monday – Second Shravan Somvar Vrat
July 18, 2023, Tuesday – Shravan Adhika Maas Begins
24 July 2023, Monday – Third Shravan Monday fast
July 31, 2023, Monday – Fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat
August 7, 2023, Monday – Fifth Shravan Somwar Vrat
August 14, 2023, Monday – Sixth Shravan Somwar Vrat
August 16, 2023, Wednesday – Shravan Adhik Maas ends
August 21, 2023, Monday – Seventh Shravan Somvar Vrat
August 28, 2023, Monday – Eighth Shravan Somwar Vrat
31 August 2023, Thursday – Shravan ends
The Puja Vidhi of Sawan Somvar begins with a ritualistic bath. Devotees take an early morning bath and then proceed to perform their puja. During the puja, they offer scented flowers, incense sticks, vermilion and other items associated with Lord Shiva. They also chant mantras and hymns dedicated to him. After offering prayers, devotees break their fast by eating a light meal consisting of sattvic foods such as fruits, nuts and milk.