Sawan 2024: Know when is the first Somwari and Mangala Vrat

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is the fifth month of the Punjabi calendar and the Nanakshahi calendar, corresponding to July-August in the Gregorian calendar. This month holds great spiritual significance for Hindus, especially devotees of Lord Shiva. It marks the beginning of the monsoon season in India, which is seen as a symbol of Lord Shiva's blessings and renewal of life. Today, through this post, we will know when the month of Sawan will start in 2024, what is the significance of Sawan and much more.

Table of Contents

1. When will Sawan month get started?
2. Significance of Sawan
3. What should be done in the month of Sawan?
4. Special fasting days in the month of Sawan
5. Sawan Somvar
6. Mangala Gauri Vrat
7. Fasting rules
8. Why is the month of Sawan dear to Lord Shiva?
9. Kawad Yatra in Sawan

When will Sawan month get started?

A holy month dedicated to Lord Shiva. This year, Sawan will begin on July 22, 2024 and end on August 19, 2024, both days being Sundays. During this period, devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasts and perform rituals to seek his blessings. This month is important because it is believed that Lord Shiva resides on earth during this period and all wishes can be fulfilled with his blessings. The importance of Sawan is further enhanced by the fact that it is the first month of a four-month period known as Chaturmas, during which Lord Vishnu goes into deep sleep and Lord Shiva takes charge of maintaining the universe.

Significance of Sawan

Lord Shiva's abode: During Sawan, Lord Shiva resides on earth, and all wishes can be fulfilled with his blessings.
Chaturmas: Sawan is the first month of a four-month period known as Chaturmas, during which Lord Vishnu goes into deep sleep, and Lord Shiva takes charge of maintaining the universe.
Shivaratri: Sawan Shivaratri is an important festival where devotees observe fasts and perform rituals to please Lord Shiva. Shivaratri 2024 falls on August 2.
Monsoon Season: Sawan marks the beginning of the monsoon season in India, which signifies renewal of life and blessings of Lord Shiva.
Devotion and Fasting: Devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasts and rituals throughout the month, seeking his blessings for success, marriage and prosperity.

What to do in Sawan month?

Spiritual Activities
Meditation and Yoga: This month is best for meditation and yoga practice.
Reading Spiritual Texts: Read Shiva Sutras, Shiva Purana and Shvetashvatara Upanishad. Meditate on the holy form of Lord Shiva.
Wearing Rudraksha Beads: This is the best month to start wearing Rudraksha beads.
Chanting Mantras: Chant mantras of Lord Shiva, such as Om Namah Shivaya, Shiva Yajur Mantra, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Shiva Gayatri Mantra, Rudraya Mantra and Shiva Chalisa.

Special fasting days in the month of Sawan

Sawan Somvar 

Shravan Somvar, also known as Sawan Somvar, is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated every Monday during the month of Shravan (Sawan) which falls in July and August. The festival is considered auspicious for those who seek blessings from Lord Shiva and is believed to bring good fortune and wish fulfilment.

The first Monday of the year 2024 is on July 22. And the other Mondays are on July 29, August 5, August 12 and August 19.

Mangala Gauri Vrat

The Mangala Gauri Vrat is observed on every Tuesday of the month of Shravan. The first Mangala Gauri Vrat in 2024 is on July 23. This fast is important for married women, especially newlyweds, as it is believed to bring happiness and prosperity in their married life. Perform the puja by placing a picture or idol of Goddess Gauri on a wooden plank covered with a red cloth. Offer fruits, flowers and other offerings. Wear new clothes and adorn yourself with jewellery. Worship Goddess Gauri and seek her blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.

Fasting Rules

Sawan Somvar Vrat: Keep fast on all Mondays in the month of Sawan.
Solah Somvar Vrat: Keep fast for 16 consecutive Mondays starting from the first Monday of Sawan.
Pradosh Vrat: Keep fast on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of the Hindu month.
Mangala Gauri Vrat: Keep fast on Tuesday for a happy married life and long life of a spouse.
Shani Vrat: Fast on Saturday to remove the defects of Saturn planet.
Daily Practices
Jalabhishek: Perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva with water, milk, sugar, ghee, curd and honey (Panchamrit) daily.
Panchamrit Abhishek: Offer Panchamrit to Lord Shiva after taking bath in the morning.
Rudraksha Mala: Wear Rudraksha Mala and chant mantras of Lord Shiva.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: Chant Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times daily.
Non-Vegetarian Food: Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic and alcohol during Sawan.
Table salt: Use rock salt instead of table salt for cooking.
Fresh juices: Choose freshly prepared juices over packaged juices.

Why is the month of Sawan dear to Lord Shiva?

Lord Shiva is believed to have a special affection for the month of Sawan. It is believed that during Sawan, Lord Shiva himself comes to earth and governs the universe, making this month holy and a time when devotees can receive his blessings more easily. Performing Rudrabhishek in Sawan and offering specific items such as water, milk, curd, sugar, honey, ghee, bael leaves and sandalwood paste is considered very fruitful, as these offerings are believed to bring prosperity, good health and happiness. 

Worshiping Lord Shiva on Monday in month of Sawan

Sawan is considered especially auspicious for the Hindus, as it is believed that offering these offerings pleases them. Unmarried women worship Lord Shiva in Sawan to get their ideal husband and marriage, while married women seek his blessings for a happy and prosperous marriage. Additionally, people born in the month of Sawan are believed to have special blessings of Lord Shiva, as they are believed to be pure at heart, have good management skills, and are honest in their relationships, often find success in business and sports and lead a happy and prosperous life.

Kawad Yatra in Sawan

The Kawad Yatra, also known as Kawad Yatra, is an important Hindu pilgrimage that takes place in the month of Sawan. Here are some key points about the Kanwar Yatra in Sawan:

Start and end date: The Kawad Yatra began on July 4, 2023, and will continue till August 31, 2023. Sawan is considered a holy month for Lord Shiva, and devotees believe that performing rituals and offering specific items during this period brings prosperity, good health, and happiness. The tradition of the Kawad Yatra is believed to have been started by Shravan Kumar, who brought Ganga water from Haridwar to his blind parents in the Himalayas. This act of devotion is still observed today by millions of devotees who visit their local Shiva temples carrying water from the Ganges. Devotees visit their local Shiva temples carrying the Ganga water in a vessel called a "Kawad". They then pour the water on the Shiva Linga to offer it to Lord Shiva. This ritual is believed to bring blessings and prosperity to devotees. The Kawad Yatra is considered an important event in Hinduism and devotees believe that it brings many benefits, including fulfilment of their wishes and removal of life's problems.