Sawan 2026सावन / श्रावण
The holiest month of Lord Shiva. Here is exactly when Sawan begins and ends in 2026, all four Sawan Somwar Monday dates, and how the month is observed.
Sawan Somwar 2026 dates
The Mondays of Sawan, called Sawan Somwar, are the most sacred days of the month for worship of Lord Shiva. In North India there are four Sawan Somwar in 2026:
Married women also keep Mangala Gauri Vrat on the Tuesdays of Sawan, praying to Goddess Parvati for the wellbeing of their families.
Why Sawan is sacred to Shiva
When the gods and demons churned the ocean of milk, a deadly poison called Halahala rose up and threatened all creation. To save the worlds, Lord Shiva drank it and held it in his throat, which turned blue, giving him the name Neelkanth. Sawan falls in the monsoon, and devotees pour water and milk over the Shivling to cool the Lord who once swallowed the poison of the world.
It is also said that Goddess Parvati kept a long penance through the month of Sawan to win Lord Shiva as her husband, which is why the month is considered especially dear to him and auspicious for prayers of marriage and family.
How Sawan is observed
- Sawan Somwar Vrat: fasting on the Mondays of the month, often eating only once, with worship of Shiva in the evening.
- Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek: bathing the Shivling with water, milk, honey and Ganga jal, and offering bel patra, dhatura and white flowers.
- Om Namah Shivaya: the panchakshari mantra chanted through the month, along with the Mahamrityunjaya mantra.
- Kanwar Yatra: devotees called Kanwariyas carry holy water from the Ganga over long distances to offer at Shiva temples.
Festivals within Sawan 2026
Sawan holds several beloved observances: Hariyali Teej (15 August), Nag Panchami (17 August), and it ends on Shravan Purnima with Raksha Bandhan (28 August). In the South, Varalakshmi Vratam falls in this period.
Frequently asked questions
When does Sawan start in 2026?
In North India (Purnimanta reckoning), Sawan begins on Thursday, 30 July 2026 and ends on Friday, 28 August 2026. In South and West India (Amanta reckoning), Sawan runs from 13 August to 10 September 2026.
How many Sawan Somwar are there in 2026?
There are four Sawan Somwar (Mondays) in North India in 2026: 3, 10, 17 and 24 August.
What do you do on Sawan Somwar?
Devotees fast, bathe the Shivling with water and milk, offer bel patra, and chant Om Namah Shivaya. Many visit Shiva temples and perform Rudrabhishek.
Why do North and South India have different Sawan dates?
North India follows the Purnimanta calendar, where the month ends on the full moon, while South and West India follow the Amanta calendar, where the month ends on the new moon. This shifts the start of Shravan by about two weeks.
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12:54Keep Sawan with Bhakti Angan. Daily darshan of Lord Shiva, the Panchang and shubh muhurat for your city, a japa counter for Om Namah Shivaya, and daily shloks.
Download free on the App StoreDates are for 2026 in Indian Standard Time and follow the widely used Purnimanta (North India) and Amanta (South and West) reckonings. Because a Hindu date depends on the tithi at your local sunrise, devotees outside India may keep some days one date earlier or later. The Bhakti Angan app calculates the Panchang for your exact location. Regional traditions vary; for vrat and puja timings please also consult your family panditji.