The month of Shravan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. Also known as Sawan, this period is marked by prayers, fasting, celebrations, and other traditions. Devotees observe the occasion with rituals that carry deep spiritual and cultural value.
Shravan 2025: Date
The month of Shravan begins on different dates across India due to variations in the Hindu calendar system.
In North India, the ‘Purnimanta’ calendar is commonly followed, where the lunar month ends on the full moon day. In contrast, western and southern Indian states usually follow the ‘Amanta’ calendar, which considers the new moon day as the month’s end.
According to Drik Panchang, Shravan 2025 will begin on July 11 and end on August 9 in northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and others. In western and southern states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the holy month will start on July 25 and conclude on August 23.
Shravan 2025: Significance
Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is regarded as one of the holiest months for seeking his blessings, especially among his devotees.
This period is believed to be connected to the epic ‘Samudra Manthan’ episode from Hindu mythology. During the churning of the ocean for amrit (nectar of immortality), a pot of poison (halahala) emerged. Lord Shiva consumed the poison to save the universe, causing his throat to turn blue — thus earning him the name Neelkanth. The month is therefore dedicated to his worship and veneration.
Shravan signifies spiritual growth and renewal and is considered highly auspicious for new beginnings. Festivals like Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, and Shravan Shivratri are celebrated during this month.
It also coincides with the arrival of the southwest monsoon in India, reinforcing its association with rejuvenation and prosperity.
Shravan 2025: Rituals and celebrations
Devotees mark Shravan with fasting and a variety of traditional practices. Some common observances during this month include:
Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts on every Monday of the month, known as ‘Shravan Somwar Vrat’. Some also follow a series of sixteen consecutive Monday fasts starting from the first Monday of Shravan. According to Drik Panchang, Tuesdays are devoted to Goddess Parvati, with the fast observed as ‘Mangal Gauri Vrat’.
Kanwar Yatra: This annual pilgrimage is undertaken by Lord Shiva’s devotees, known as Kanwariyas. They typically walk barefoot to collect holy water from the Ganga in bamboo containers called kanwars, which they later offer at Shiva temples.
Prayers and rituals: Other customs during this sacred month include daily worship of Lord Shiva, visits to Shiva temples, Rudra Abhishek, and the celebration of various festivals that fall within this period.