Shravan Maas 2026: Dates, Somvar List, Puja Vidhi &…
Shravan Maas 2026: Dates, Rituals, Mantras & Significance
Shravan Maas 2026 begins on July 30, 2026 in North India (Purnimanta Calendar) and August 13, 2026 in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and South India (Amavasyant Calendar). The month concludes with Raksha Bandhan (Aug 28) in the North and on September 11 in the South.
Shravan Maas (also called Sawan Maas) is the fifth and holiest month in the Hindu calendar, dedicated entirely to Lord Shiva. Falling during the peak monsoon season (July-August), this month signifies the spiritual union of Shiva and Shakti (Parvati). It is believed that Goddess Parvati performed intense penance (Tapasya) during this month to please Lord Shiva and win him as her consort.
According to Vedic scriptures, this is the best time to please Mahadev. Every Monday (Shravan Somvar) during this period is considered highly auspicious for fasting and performing Rudrabhishek. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva in Shravan washes away sins, removes the fear of death (Akaal Mrityu), and fulfills all desires.
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Shravan Maas 2026 Dates (North vs. South)
The dates for Shravan differ based on the lunar calendar followed in your region. This 15-day difference occurs because North India follows the Purnimanta calendar (month ends on Full Moon), while South/West India follows the Amavasyant calendar (month ends on New Moon).
| Region | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| North India (Rajasthan, UP, MP, Punjab, Bihar) |
July 30, 2026 (Thursday) |
August 28, 2026 (Friday) |
| South & West India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, TN) |
August 13, 2026 (Thursday) |
September 11, 2026 (Friday) |
Sawan Somvar Vrat Dates 2026
Fasting on Mondays (Somvar) is the most significant ritual of Sawan. Many unmarried women observe the Solah Somvar Vrat (16 Mondays Fast) starting from the first Monday of this month to pray for a good husband, while married women fast for the longevity of their partners.
📍 North India Dates:
- 1st Somvar: Aug 3
- 2nd Somvar: Aug 10
- 3rd Somvar: Aug 17
- 4th Somvar: Aug 24
📍 South & West India Dates:
- 1st Somvar: Aug 17
- 2nd Somvar: Aug 24
- 3rd Somvar: Aug 31
- 4th Somvar: Sep 7
Scientific Reason: Why Fast in Shravan?
While Shravan is spiritually significant, there is a strong scientific reason behind the rituals. This month falls during the peak monsoon season.
- Weak Digestion: According to Ayurveda, the Vata dosha is aggravated, and the digestive fire (Jatharagni) is at its weakest. Fasting helps detoxify the system.
- Waterborne Diseases: Monsoons bring a high risk of infections. The tradition of avoiding leafy vegetables (which attract insects) and raw milk is rooted in hygiene.
- Why offer Milk? In ancient times, cows often grazed on fresh monsoon grass, which could sometimes be toxic or hard to digest, making their milk heavy. Thus, instead of consuming it, it was offered to the Shivling as a mark of sacrifice.
The Legend of Samudra Manthan
During the cosmic churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by Devas and Asuras, a deadly poison called Halahal emerged. It was potent enough to destroy the universe. To save creation, Lord Shiva drank this poison, which turned his throat blue (Neelkantha). To cool the burning effect of the poison, the Devas offered him water from the Holy Ganges. This event occurred in Shravan Maas. Therefore, offering water (Jalabhishek) to the Shivling in this month is considered the highest form of worship.
Other Important Shravan Festivals
- Kanwar Yatra: Millions of devotees (Kanwariyas) walk barefoot to Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri to fetch holy Ganga water and offer it to local Shiva temples on Shravan Shivaratri.
- Mangala Gauri Vrat: Observed by married women on every Tuesday of Shravan for the well-being of their husbands and domestic harmony.
- Hariyali Teej: Celebrated on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya, marking the union of Shiva and Parvati.
- Nag Panchami: Worship of snakes (Nagas) on the fifth day of the bright half of the month.
Powerful Shiva Mantras for Shravan
Chanting these mantras during the Brahma Muhurta (early morning) or during Pradosh Kaal generates immense positive energy.
“Om Namah Shivaya”
(Salutations to the Auspicious One)
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”
(We worship the Three-Eyed One, who nourishes all beings. May He liberate us from death for the sake of immortality.)
Do’s and Don’ts During Shravan Maas
✅ Do’s:
- Wake up early (Brahma Muhurta).
- Offer Bel Patra & raw milk.
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya”.
- Maintain a Satvik diet.
🚫 Don’ts:
- No non-veg, alcohol, onion/garlic.
- Avoid shaving or hair cuts.
- Avoid using turmeric on Shivling.
- Avoid drinking milk (offer it instead).
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does Sawan 2026 start in North India?
In North India (Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, etc.), Shravan Maas 2026 starts on July 30, 2026.
2. When does Sawan 2026 start in Maharashtra and Gujarat?
In Maharashtra, Gujarat, and South India, Shravan Maas 2026 begins on August 13, 2026.
3. Is Shravan Maas different in North and South India?
Yes. North India follows the Purnimanta calendar, while Maharashtra & South India follow the Amavasyant calendar, leading to a 15-day difference.
