Patna: Devotees preparing for the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) may be wondering whether it begins on July 29 or July 30 in 2026. According to the Hindu lunar calendar followed by Drik Panchang, Sawan will begin on Thursday, July 30, and conclude on Thursday, August 27, coinciding with Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan).
The month, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is regarded as one of the most sacred periods in the Hindu calendar. During Sawan, devotees observe fasts, perform Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek, and visit Shiva temples across the country.
When Does Sawan Begin and End in 2026?
According to Drik Panchang, the month of Sawan begins on Shravan Krishna Pratipada, the day after Ashadh Purnima.
The dates for Sawan in 2026 are:
Beginning: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Ending: Thursday, August 27, 2026 (Shravan Purnima/Raksha Bandhan)
The month will last 29 days.
Sawan Somvar 2026: Full Monday Fast Calendar
Mondays during Sawan, known as Sawan Somvar, hold particular religious significance for Shiva devotees.
The four Sawan Somvar dates in 2026 are:
First Sawan Somvar: August 3
Second Sawan Somvar: August 10
Third Sawan Somvar: August 17
Fourth Sawan Somvar: August 24
Many devotees observe fasts on these days and offer prayers seeking health, prosperity and family well-being.
Why Is Sawan Considered Sacred?
According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Shiva consumed the Halahal poison that emerged during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean). To reduce the effect of the poison, the gods are believed to have offered water to Shiva, a tradition that forms the basis of Jalabhishek, or offering water to the Shivling.
Religious traditions also hold that worshipping Lord Shiva during Sawan with sincerity may bring blessings and fulfil devotees’ wishes.
Married women often observe Sawan Somvar fasts for the well-being and long life of their husbands, while many unmarried women observe the fast seeking a suitable life partner. These are matters of religious belief.
How Is Jalabhishek Performed?
According to Hindu traditions, devotees begin the day by bathing and wearing clean clothes before visiting a Shiva temple or worshipping at home.
The ritual generally includes:
Offering clean water to the Shivling
Performing Abhishek with Gangajal, milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar
Offering water again after the ritual bathing
Presenting Belpatra, Dhatura, Bhang, Shami leaves, white flowers and Bhasma
Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”
Reciting the Shiva Chalisa and performing Aarti
Offering fruits, sweets or halwa as Bhog
Practices may vary across regions and family traditions.
A Month of Devotion
For millions of devotees, Sawan is a period of prayer, fasting and spiritual reflection centred on Lord Shiva. Temples across Bihar and other parts of India are expected to witness increased footfall throughout the month, particularly on Mondays and during major religious observances associated with Sawan.
