Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 Dates and Significance in India and Nepal
Introduction: The Sacred Month of Shravan (Sawan)
The month of Sawan (Shravan) holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus across India and Nepal. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is marked by devotion, fasting, and rituals, especially on Mondays known as Sawan Somwar Vrats. These fasts are observed with the intent of seeking divine blessings, marital bliss, health, and prosperity.
The dates of Sawan Somwar Vrat vary across regions due to differences in regional calendars and lunar observations. Let’s explore the complete Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 dates, region-wise, along with the importance and traditions associated with this holy month.
Region-Wise Sawan Somwar Vrat Dates 2025
📍 1. North Indian States
Applicable States: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand
- Shravana Begins: Friday, July 11, 2025
- First Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 14, 2025
- Second Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 21, 2025
- Third Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 28, 2025
- Fourth Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 4, 2025
- Shravana Ends: Saturday, August 9, 2025
This region follows the Purnimant calendar, where the month begins the day after Guru Purnima and ends with the next Purnima. Mondays during this period are observed with intense devotion.
📍 2. Western and Southern States
Applicable States: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Shravana Begins: Friday, July 25, 2025
- First Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 28, 2025
- Second Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 4, 2025
- Third Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 11, 2025
- Fourth Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 18, 2025
- Shravana Ends: Saturday, August 23, 2025
These regions follow the Amavasyant calendar, where the month begins the day after Amavasya (new moon) and ends on the next Amavasya. Hence, the Sawan month starts later than in the North.
📍 3. Nepal and Parts of Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh
These areas, particularly Nepal and some hill districts, observe a unique pattern:
- Shravana Begins: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
- First Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 21, 2025
- Second Sawan Somwar: Monday, July 28, 2025
- Third Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 4, 2025
- Fourth Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 11, 2025
- Shravana Ends: Saturday, August 16, 2025
This schedule aligns with traditional Nepali Vikram Samvat Calendar (2081 – 2082), reflecting a blend of lunar and solar elements.
Spiritual Importance of Sawan Somwar
Sawan Somwar is regarded as the most auspicious time to worship Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, Bholenath, or Shankar. Mondays during Sawan hold special significance due to the following beliefs:
- Mythological Significance: As per Hindu mythology, the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) occurred during the Sawan month. Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison “Halahala” to save the universe, and hence, devotees offer water, milk, and bel-patra to soothe Him.
- For Marital Bliss: Unmarried girls observe Somwar Vrat seeking an ideal life partner like Lord Shiva. Married women fast for their husband’s long life and well-being.
- Health and Prosperity: It is believed that fasting during Sawan brings good health, inner peace, and prosperity by pleasing Lord Shiva.
How to Observe Sawan Somwar Vrat
🔸 Rituals and Puja Vidhi
- Early Morning Bath – Ideally before sunrise.
- Visit to Shiva Temple – Offer milk, water, honey, bel-patra, dhatura, sandalwood, and flowers to the Shivling.
- Chanting of Mantras – Recite “Om Namah Shivaya”, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, or Shiva Chalisa.
- Fasting – Some observe a full-day fast without water (Nirjala), while others opt for a fruit-only (Phalahar) or one-meal (Ekadashi-style) fast.
- Evening Aarti – Perform Aarti with diya, incense, and Shiva bhajans.
Do’s and Don’ts During Sawan Month
✅ Do’s
- Wear clean and preferably white or saffron clothes
- Stay calm, peaceful, and observe truthfulness
- Consume satvik food (without garlic or onion)
❌ Don’ts
- Avoid alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and tamasic substances
- Avoid cutting nails or hair on Mondays
- Refrain from lying or harming others
Why Sawan Dates Differ Regionally?
The variation arises due to Purnimant vs Amavasyant lunar calendar systems:
- Purnimant Calendar (North India): Month starts day after full moon
- Amavasyant Calendar (South and Western India): Month starts day after new moon
This leads to Sawan month starting earlier in the North and later in the South, though the spiritual essence remains the same.
Sawan Yatra and Kanwar Pilgrimage
During Sawan, the famous Kanwar Yatra is undertaken by lakhs of devotees called Kanwariyas, who carry holy Ganga water on foot to offer at Shiva temples like:
- Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi)
- Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
- Baidhyanath Dham (Jharkhand)
- Neelkanth Mahadev (Rishikesh)
Conclusion
The Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 is a beautiful opportunity to connect with the divine through devotion, discipline, and rituals. Whether you belong to the North, South, or neighboring Nepal, these holy Mondays in Sawan bring a chance to purify the soul, seek blessings, and embrace spiritual renewal.
