Shravan — the fifth month of the Hindu calendar — is considered the most sacred month for Lord Shiva devotees. Falling between July and August, it is a month of rain, renewal, and devotion. The entire month carries heightened spiritual significance, with Mondays (Somwar) being particularly sacred, multiple important festivals falling within it, and millions undertaking the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage to offer Ganga water to Shiva.
Quick Answer
Shravan 2026 runs from July 10 to August 8. Shravan Somwar (Monday) fasts involve visiting a Shiva temple, performing abhishekam with water and milk, offering bilva leaves, and fasting until evening. The month includes Naag Panchami (July 29), Hariyali Teej (August 15), and Raksha Bandhan (August 28).
Why Shravan Is Sacred
The sacredness of Shravan is rooted in the story of Samudra Manthan — the cosmic churning of the ocean by gods and demons to obtain amrita (nectar of immortality). When the deadly poison Halahala emerged, threatening all creation, Lord Shiva consumed it to protect the universe. Goddess Parvati held his throat to prevent the poison from descending — turning his throat blue and earning him the name Neelkanth. This event is believed to have occurred in Shravan. The water, milk, and bilva offerings of Shravan are acts of gratitude and cooling — soothing the Neelkanth through the month when his sacrifice is most remembered.
Shravan Somwar — Monday Fast
Who observes it
Both men and women — particularly young unmarried women praying for a good husband, and married women for their husband's wellbeing. Shiva devotees of all ages observe it.
Morning ritual
Visit a Shiva temple early morning. Perform abhishekam — bathe the Shiva lingam with water, milk, curd, honey, and gangajal. Offer bilva (bel) leaves — three-leafed and particularly sacred to Shiva.
Fasting rules
Fast from sunrise to sunset or until after the evening puja. Permitted: fruits, milk, sabudana, kuttu atta. Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.
Evening puja
Perform evening Shiva puja at home or temple. Light a diya with ghee. Recite Om Namah Shivaya or Shiva Chalisa.
Breaking the fast
After the evening puja and aarti. The first food is traditionally prasad — often sabudana khichdi or fruit.
Festivals in Shravan 2026
💡 Family tradition tip
Document your family's specific Shravan traditions — which Shiva temple you visit each Monday, the specific abhishekam sequence your family follows, the foods prepared for breaking the fast. These specific family practices are living heritage worth preserving.