Sawan, also known as Shravan, is one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. This month is marked by numerous religious activities and festivals, observed with immense devotion and dedication. Sawan begins immediately after Ashadh Purnima and lasts for a full lunar cycle. This year, Sawan starts on July 22 and ends on August 19, spanning 29 days of spiritual fervor and celebration.
Key Festivals in Sawan 2024
1. Sawan Shivratri
- Date: August 2
- Significance: Observed on the 14th day of Sawan, this festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees perform special rituals and prayers, seeking the blessings of the deity.
2. Hariyali Teej
- Date: August 7
- Significance: Hariyali Teej celebrates the arrival of the monsoon. Married women observe fasts and pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women seek good husbands.
3. Nag Panchami
- Date: August 9
- Significance: Dedicated to the worship of serpents, particularly the Nagas, this festival is believed to bring prosperity and protect against snake bites.
4. Raksha Bandhan
- Date: August 19
- Significance: A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) around their brothers’ wrists, and brothers give gifts in return, pledging to protect them.
5. Kajari Teej
- Date: August 22
- Significance: Celebrated primarily in North India, this festival marks the monsoon season. Women fast and pray for the well-being of their families.
6. Janmashtami
- Date: August 26
- Significance: The birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Devotees observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and reenact episodes from Krishna’s life.
Sawan Somwar Vrat Dates 2024
Devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasts on Mondays (Somwars) during Sawan, considering these days highly auspicious. Here are the dates for Sawan Somwar Vrat this year:
- First Sawan Somwar: July 22
- Second Sawan Somwar: July 29
- Third Sawan Somwar: August 5
- Fourth Sawan Somwar: August 12
- Fifth Sawan Somwar: August 19
The Legend and Rituals of Sawan
The Legend The month of Sawan is deeply connected with the legend of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). According to Hindu mythology, during the churning, numerous valuable items emerged from the ocean, including the deadly poison Halahal. This poison had the power to destroy everything it touched. To save the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison, which turned his throat blue, earning him the name Neelkanth. This act of sacrifice is commemorated during the month of Sawan.
Rituals Throughout Sawan, devotees engage in various rituals to honor Lord Shiva:
- Kanwar Yatra: Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, carry holy water from the Ganges to offer to Shiva temples.
- Fasting: Observing fasts on Sawan Somwars is a common practice, believed to bring blessings and prosperity.
- Shiva Linga Worship: Devotees offer water, milk, and honey to the Shiva Linga, along with bilva leaves, which are considered sacred.
- Recitation and Chanting: Shiva Kathas (stories of Lord Shiva) are recited, and mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” are chanted to seek the deity’s blessings.
Sawan is a time of deep spirituality and devotion for Hindus, marked by a series of important festivals and rituals. As we prepare to celebrate Sawan 2024, may the blessings of Lord Shiva bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to all.