Sawan 2026: Important Dates and Religious Significance
Overview of Sawan 2026
Sawan 2026 Start and End Dates: Sawan, also referred to as Shravan, is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar and holds great significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. This sacred month begins on the *Pratipada Tithi* (first day) of the *Shravan Krishna Paksha* (waning moon phase). Many *Shravani* fairs kick off on this day and continue throughout the month. During Sawan, Shiva's followers engage in special prayers, embark on the *Kanwar Yatra*, and perform *Abhishek* (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva using *Gangajal* (Ganges water) or other holy waters to fulfill their desires. In certain regions, this pilgrimage lasts until *Sawan Shivratri*, while in others, it extends throughout the month. Observing fasts on the Mondays of Sawan is also of great religious importance. Here, we will explore the complete details regarding the start and end dates of Sawan 2026, along with the Monday fasts.
Start Date of Sawan 2026
When does Sawan 2026 begin?
As per the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the *Shravan Krishna Pratipada Tithi* starts at 8:05 PM on July 29 and lasts until 9:30 PM on July 30. Since the sunrise on July 30 occurs during the *Pratipada Tithi* (at 5:41 AM), this day is regarded as the commencement of Sawan.
Duration of Sawan
What is the duration of Sawan?
This year, Sawan will last for 31 days, starting on July 30 and concluding on August 28 with *Shravan Purnima* (full moon day). The *Purnima Tithi* begins at 9:08 AM on August 27 and continues until 9:48 AM on August 28. The festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on this day.
Sawan Monday Fasts 2026
Sawan Monday Fasts 2026
This year, there will be four Monday fasts during Sawan, scheduled as follows:
First Sawan Monday: August 3
Second Sawan Monday: August 10
Third Sawan Monday: August 17
Fourth Sawan Monday: August 24
These Mondays will also feature various auspicious *Yogas* (astrological combinations), enhancing the significance of the fasts.
Regional Differences in Sawan Dates
Why do the dates differ between North and South India? The start of Sawan varies between North and South India mainly due to different calculation methods in the almanac (*Panchang*). Northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh follow the *Purnimant* system, where the new month begins on the first day (*Pratipada*) of the dark fortnight (*Krishna Paksha*) after the full moon (*Purnima*) and ends on the next full moon.
In contrast, states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana adhere to the *Amant* system, where the new month starts on the first day (*Pratipada*) of the bright fortnight (*Shukla Paksha*) after the new moon (*Amavasya*) and concludes on the next new moon. As a result, the month begins about 15 days earlier in North India compared to South and West India.
Religious Significance of Sawan
**Religious Significance of Sawan**
According to mythology, Sawan is associated with the *Samudra Manthan* (Churning of the Ocean) legend. During this event, a lethal poison emerged, threatening all of creation. Lord Shiva consumed this poison and held it in his throat, earning the title *Neelkanth* (the Blue-Throated One). The poison caused intense heat in his body, and to alleviate this, the gods and goddesses offered water. This led to the tradition of *Jalabhishek* (ritual water offering) on the *Shivling* during Sawan. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva with genuine devotion during this month brings His blessings and fulfills the wishes of devotees.
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