Sawan Month: Significance, Fasts, and Festivals Celebrated by Hindus
Sawan, also known as Shrawan, is a highly auspicious month for Hindus, marked by various significant festivals and fasts. During this time, devotees worship Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. The month-long observance involves special rituals, fasting, and offerings to seek divine blessings. Let’s explore the details of this sacred month.
Sawan Somwar:
Fasting for Lord Shiva Every Monday during the Sawan month, devotees observe fasts known as Sawan Somwar to honour Lord Shiva. They offer panchamrit (a sacred mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, sugar, and ghee), jaggery, bhuna chana (roasted gram), bel patra (leaves of the wood apple tree), dhatoora (angel’s trumpet flower), milk, rice, chandan (sandalwood), among other sacred items.
Mangala Gauri Vrat:
Fasting for Maa Parvati On every Tuesday of Sawan, devotees observe the Mangala Gauri Vrat, dedicated to Maa Parvati. This fast is believed to bring marital bliss and happiness to married couples. It involves prayers, rituals, and offerings made to seek the blessings of the divine feminine energy.
Extended Duration of Sawan:
This year, Sawan begins on July 4 (Tuesday) and continues until August 31 (Thursday). It is a special occurrence as the auspicious time of Shrawan will last for two months due to Adhik Shrawan Maas. Instead of the usual four Mondays, this year will have eight Sawan Somwar fasts.
Sawan Somwar Fast Calendar:
The Sawan Somwar fasts commence on July 4 and conclude on August 28. Here is the complete calendar:
- July 4, 2023 (Tuesday): Beginning of Shravan month
- July 10 to August 28, 2023 (Mondays): Sawan Somwar fasts
- August 31, 2023 (Thursday): Last day of Shravan
Historical Significance of Sawan:
The worship of Lord Shiva during Sawan traces back to the ancient story of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean). Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison, Halahal, to protect the universe. Goddess Parvati intervened by stopping the poison from spreading further. This episode, which turned Lord Shiva’s body blue, is associated with the month of Sawan, making it a significant time for Shiva and Parvati worship.
Importance and Festivals:
Sawan holds immense significance for Hindus, with numerous festivals and fasts observed during this month. Alongside Sawan Somwar fasting, devotees celebrate Kamika Ekadashi, Mangala Gauri Vrats, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Narali Purnima, and Kalki Jayanti. Additionally, Shiva devotees embark on the Kanwar Yatra, visiting holy places and offering Ganga water to Lord Shiva.
Summary:
The month of Sawan holds deep spiritual significance for Hindus, providing an opportunity to connect with the divine through fasting, worship, and observance of important rituals. As devotees come together to honour Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, they seek blessings, divine grace, and harmony in their lives. The celebrations and spiritual practices during this auspicious month foster devotion and reinforce cultural traditions.
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