Sawan month is nearly here — you can almost hear temple bells and smell the fresh rain. It’s the time when devotees across India come together to celebrate Lord Shiva with unmatched devotion. During this time, Lord Shiva is believed to be most receptive to prayers and offerings.
The monsoon rains that arrive during this period represent Lord Shiva's blessings washing over the earth. You know that feeling when the first drops of monsoon touch your face after a scorching summer? That's exactly the kind of relief and joy Sawan brings to spiritual seekers.
Sawan Month 2025: Key Dates & Fasting Schedule
Knowing the exact dates helps you prepare your spiritual routine better. Here are some key dates and timings:
Sawan Month Start Date: 11th July 2025 (Friday)
Sawan Month End Date: 9th August 2025 (Saturday)
Monday Fasting (Sawan Somwar):
First Monday: 14th July 2025
Second Monday: 21st July 2025
Third Monday: 28th July 2025
Fourth Monday: 4th August 2025
Fasting Timings:
Begins: Around sunrise (6:00 AM)
Ends: After evening prayers (approx. 7:00 PM)
Ideal Offering time: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
How to Prepare Spiritually Before Sawan Starts
A little planning can make your Sawan peaceful and meaningful. Here’s what to do:
- Clean your pooja space: Wipe altars, change clothes, and arrange idols neatly.
- Read Shiva stories & mantras: Familiarise yourself with “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra.
- Cut down on heavy foods: It helps ease into fasting days.
- Gather pooja essentials: Brass Shiva idol, Shivlinga, brass diyas, kalash, incense, fresh bel leaves.
- Set simple goals: Decide if you’ll fast on all Mondays or add extra prayers daily.
Traditional Rituals & Fasts You Can Observe
During Sawan, simple daily rituals strengthen your connection with Lord Shiva. Here’s how families usually mark this sacred month.
- Offer water & milk to Shiva Lingam: Symbolises cooling the poison he drank at Sagar manthan.
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Decorate with bel leaves & flowers: Bel patra is Lord Shiva’s favourite.
Chant mantras: Even a few minutes daily helps keep the mind centred. - Avoid haircuts & nail trimming: It’s a cultural way to maintain purity.
- Many follow a sattvik diet: Keeping food light and pure supports your spiritual focus.
Fasting Guidelines: What to Eat & Avoid
Fasting isn’t just about skipping meals. It’s meant to cleanse the body and calm the mind. Here’s how to keep it simple.
What to Eat:
- Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, papaya.
- Milk, curd, paneer — keep you energised.
- Nuts, raisins & dates for natural sweetness.
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes, arbi cooked in rock salt.
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Lots of water and lemon water to stay hydrated.
What to Avoid:
- Regular salt (use rock salt / sendha namak instead).
- Wheat, rice, dal & processed snacks.
- Onion, garlic, meat, eggs, alcohol & smoking.
Major Festivals & Observances During Sawan 2025
Sawan is considered an auspicious month in Hinduism. During this holy month, many Hindu festivals are celebrated. Here are the major festivals in the Sawan month 2025:
Sawan Shivratri: 23rd July 2025
Hariyali Amavasya: 24th July 2025
Hariyali Teej: 27th July 2025
Nag Panchami: 29th July 2025
Raksha Bandhan: 9th August 2025 (last day of Sawan)
Must-Have Items for Your Sawan Puja
Want to create a calm, sacred corner at home? These essentials are timeless and meaningful. At Ethnic India Handicrafts, we usually have excellent offers on brass and wooden handicrafts, so it’s worth checking out.
Shiva Lingam (marble or stone)
The Shiva Lingam represents Lord Shiva in his most divine, unmanifest form. Pouring milk and water over it daily, known as abhishek, helps cleanse negativity and brings peace into your life. It’s a humble yet powerful way to invite Bholenath’s grace into your home.
Brass Shiva Statue
A beautifully crafted brass Shiva murti not only adds a touch of elegance to your pooja space but is also believed to fill your surroundings with strength, courage, and positive energy. Watching the soft glow of lamps reflect off brass truly feels divine.
Copper Kalash
A copper kalash, filled with holy Ganga jal or clean water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut, is a key part of any traditional pooja. It symbolises abundance and is thought to store life-giving cosmic energy right in your home.
Brass Diya (oil lamp)
Lighting a brass diya each evening during Sawan is more than ritual — it’s a simple way to dispel darkness and negativity. The soft, steady flame is said to attract blessings and keep your space spiritually charged.
Incense Holder
An incense holder completes your pooja setup by letting delicate fragrances drift through your home. Lighting incense during aarti calms the mind and uplifts your spirit, making prayers feel even more heartfelt.
Takeaway
Sawan is that divine season when even the rains seem to chant Shiva’s name. Whether you’re fasting on Mondays, performing a small daily abhishek, or simply soaking in the monsoon magic, let this month strengthen your bond with Bholenath. And if you’re looking to bring home something special, our handcrafted Lord Shiva idols and pooja items will make your devotion even more personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the Sawan month 2025 start?
Sawan month starts on 11th July 2025 in most of North India and continues till 9th August 2025. It’s the period when devotees especially dedicate prayers and fasts to Lord Shiva, welcoming spiritual growth and blessings.
2. When is the first Monday of Sawan month 2025?
The first Sawan Somwar falls on 14th July 2025. Many believe starting your Monday fasts from this day brings the highest blessings, as it marks the beginning of the sacred Somwar vrat cycle.
3. Can I eat regular salt during Sawan fasting?
No, traditional vrat rules advise only using rock salt (sendha namak) during Sawan fasts. It’s lighter on the stomach, considered pure, and helps maintain the spiritual discipline of the month.
4. Is it good to buy a Shiva idol during Sawan?
Absolutely! Bringing home a new Shiva idol or lingam during Sawan is seen as very auspicious. It’s thought to invite peace, strength and divine energy into your household throughout the year.
5. Why do we pour milk and water on the Shiva Lingam?
According to Hindu legends, this ritual — called abhishek — helps soothe Lord Shiva, who drank poison to save the universe. It’s a simple yet profound way to express gratitude and devotion.
