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Today, July 22, begins the month of Sawan or Shravan, a special time for followers of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. Sawan 2024 starts with the monsoon season in India. This month is important for Hindus who worship Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati by fasting on Mondays, known as Sawan Somwar Vrat, to seek their blessings.
During Sawan Somwar 2024, devotees offer things like a mix of five liquids (panchamrit), jaggery, roasted chickpeas, bel leaves, datura, milk, rice, and sandalwood to Lord Shiva. It’s good to know the Sawan 2024 Dates, including when it starts and ends, the history behind it, and how to properly conduct the prayers (puja vidhi). We also look at the important Sawan Vrat Dates 2024 and the best times (shubh muhurat) for worship during this holy month.
What is Sawan Somwar Vrat?
Sawan, often called Shravan, marks one of the most sacred months in the Hindu calendar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this period, followers fast on Mondays, a practice known as Sawan Somwar Vrat, to receive blessings and fulfill their desires. The specific Sawan 2024 dates for this observance differ between North and South India. This article provides insights into the Sawan Somwar 2024 rituals, fasting rules, and sacred mantras. Keep reading to learn more about the Sawan Vrat dates 2024 and how to properly observe this spiritual time.
Sawan 2024 Start Date and End Date
Based on information from Drik Panchang, Sawan 2024 will start on July 22 and conclude on August 19, spanning a total of 29 days. During this period, there will be five Mondays, aligning with the occurrence of Sawan Somwar 2024. Devotees have the opportunity to observe fasts on these Sawan Somwar 2024 dates. There are five such fasting days this year, marking the special Sawan Vrat Dates 2024.
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Sawan Somwar 2024 Vrat Dates for North India
In July and August of 2024, several states in North India including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand will observe the Sawan Somwar Vrat. The specific Sawan 2024 Dates are listed in the table below:
Sawan Somwar Vrat | Date | Day |
First Shravan Somwar | July 22, 2024 | Monday |
Second Shravan Somwar | July 29, 2024 | Monday |
Third Shravan Somwar | August 5, 2024 | Monday |
Fourth Shravan Somwar | August 12, 2024 | Monday |
Fifth Shravan Somwar | August 19, 2024 | Monday |
Sawan Somwar 2024 Vrat Dates for South India
In South India, states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu will begin their observance of the Sawan Somwar Vrat in August and conclude in September. The Sawan 2024 Dates for these states are:
Sawan Somwar Vrat | Date | Day |
First Shravan Somwar | August 5, 2024 | Monday |
Second Shravan Somwar | August 12, 2024 | Monday |
Third Shravan Somwar | August 19, 2024 | Monday |
Fourth Shravan Somwar | August 26, 2024 | Monday |
Fifth Shravan Somwar | September 2, 2024 | Monday |
Sawan 2024: History & Significance
The origins of Sawan date back to the legendary event of Samudra Manthan, described in Indian mythology. During this cosmic event, gods (devas) and demons (asuras) collaborated to churn the ocean in search of the divine nectar of immortality, Amrit. This churning produced not only Amrit but also various treasures, animals, Goddess Lakshmi, and Dhanvantri, the divine healer. Amidst these divine gifts, Halahal, a lethal poison, also surfaced, causing widespread destruction to anyone it touched.
The peril led to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu seeking assistance from Lord Shiva, who was capable of withstanding the poison’s deadly effects. Upon their request, Lord Shiva ingested the poison, which turned his body blue. Goddess Parvati, to prevent the poison from spreading, halted it at his throat, which subsequently earned Lord Shiva the epithet Neelkanth, or the blue-throated one.
These significant events occurred during the month of Sawan, a period when Hindus honor Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, particularly on Mondays. The month of Sawan is deemed highly auspicious, filled with numerous festivities such as Kamika Ekadashi, Mangala Gauri Vrats, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Narali Purnima, and Kalki Jayanti. Devotees often undertake the Kanwar yatra, visiting sacred sites to offer Gangajal to Lord Shiva as a mark of devotion.
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Sawan Somvar Vrat Practices and Fasting Guidelines
- Morning Rituals: Devotees get up early for a sacred bath. If possible, this is done in a river or at home with water that has a few drops of Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges).
- Dressing Up: After bathing, devotees wear fresh clothes, often choosing white or yellow.
- Worship Offerings: The day starts with a trip to a Shiva temple. Here, devotees present offerings like milk, water, bel leaves, fruits, and flowers to the Shiva Linga.
- Fasting Details: A strict fast is observed, avoiding grains, pulses, and meat. However, light foods like fruits and milk are permitted.
- Prayers and Mantras: Throughout the day, devotees chant mantras dedicated to Shiva, such as “Om Namah Shivaya,” and read the Shiva Chalisa.
- Evening Worship: Another round of worship occurs in the evening with similar offerings as in the morning.
- Ending the Fast: The fast concludes the following morning with prayers to Lord Shiva.
Mantras for Sawan Somwar Vrat
Reciting mantras during the fast increases spiritual benefits and aids in better focus during prayers. Here are some powerful mantras to consider:
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्।।
Shiva Panchakshari Mantra
ॐ नमः शिवाय।
Shiva Gayatri Mantra
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि। तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्।।
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FAQs on Sawan Somwaar 2024
When does Sawan 2024 start and end?
Sawan 2024 begins on July 22 and concludes on August 19, lasting a total of 29 days.
What should I do on Sawan Monday?
During Sawan Somwar 2024, it is customary to observe the Shravan Somwar Vrat, a fasting ritual from sunrise to sunset. Devotees dedicate this day to worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with sincere devotion.
How should I observe the Sawan Somwar Vrat in 2024?
To properly observe a Sawan Somwar Vrat during the Sawan 2024 dates, adhere to a diet of sattvik food, engage in charity, refrain from tamasik foods like onions, garlic, and meat, perform Jal Abhishek on the Shivling, consume only one meal a day, and eat fruits.
Is eating chicken permitted during Sawan 2024?
Eating chicken or any non-vegetarian food is not recommended during Sawan 2024. These foods can strain your digestive system, especially when your immunity might be weaker.
Can I drink coffee during the Sawan Somwar Vrat?
Yes, you can have a cup of tea or coffee in the evening during the Sawan Somwar fast. It helps keep you refreshed and energetic.
What dairy products can I consume during the Sawan Somwar fast?
You can drink milk, buttermilk, consume curd, paneer, and sweet lassi while fasting during Sawan. Avoid salty dairy products like cheese.
Is cutting hair allowed during the Sawan fast?
Cutting hair is one of the practices to avoid during Sawan. It's also advisable to abstain from consuming onions and garlic and stick to a diet of fresh vegetables.
Can I eat onions during Sawan?
It's common to avoid onions and garlic during the Chaturmas period, which starts with Sawan. This practice is meant to simplify meals and focus on spiritual growth.