Sawan Somwar 2025 – A Holy Time to Worship Lord Shiva
- Pandit Vishal Dwivedi
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
When the monsoon rains begin in India, it feels like nature is celebrating. The dry land becomes green again, and everything feels fresh and peaceful. This special time is called Sawan or Shravan, and it is considered one of the holiest months for worshipping Lord Shiva. In Sawan Somwar 2025, millions of devotees will take part in prayers, fasts, and rituals to show their love and devotion to Bholenath (another name for Shiva). Let’s learn more about this sacred month and its special Mondays.
What is Sawan?
Sawan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, and it usually comes during the monsoon season (July August). According to Hindu stories, when the gods and demons churned the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a dangerous poison came out. To save the world, Lord Shiva drank the poison but kept it in his throat, which turned blue. That’s why he is also called Neelkanth (the blue throated one). The rain during this month is believed to be nature’s way of giving a cooling bath (Abhishekam) to Lord Shiva. That’s why Sawan is seen as the best time to worship him.
Why is Somwar (Monday) Important?
Monday is known as Somwar, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name comes from "Som," meaning the Moon. Lord Shiva has a crescent moon on his head, and worshipping him on Mondays is considered very lucky. During Sawan Somwar, people keep fasts, visit temples, and perform special prayers to get blessings, peace, and happiness in life.
Sawan Somwar 2025 Dates
The start and end of Sawan are different in North India and South India due to different regional calendars.
For North India (Purnimant Calendar)
States: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh
Start of Sawan: July 22, 2025
End of Sawan: August 19, 2025
Sawan Somwar Vrat Dates:
First Somwar: July 28, 2025
Second Somwar: August 4, 2025
Third Somwar: August 11, 2025
Fourth Somwar: August 18, 2025
For South & West India (Amanta Calendar)
States: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
Start of Sawan: August 5, 2025
End of Sawan: September 3, 2025
Sawan Somwar Vrat Dates:
First Somwar: August 11, 2025
Second Somwar: August 18, 2025
Third Somwar: August 25, 2025
Fourth Somwar: September 1, 2025
How People Celebrate Sawan Somwar
On each Sawan Somwar, devotees wake up early, take a bath, wear clean clothes (often green or saffron), and go to Shiva temples. They perform a ritual called Abhishekam, where they pour water, milk, curd, and honey on the Shiva Lingam while chanting "Om Namah Shivaya." This is a way of showing love and respect to Shiva.
People also offer:
Bilva leaves (Bael leaves)
Fruits and flowers
Incense and lamps
Many devotees keep a fast (vrat). They avoid salt, grains, and onion garlic, and eat simple foods like fruits, milk, or sabudana (tapioca).
Kanwar Yatra: A Special Pilgrimage
During Sawan, lakhs of people (called Kanwariyas) travel to collect holy water from the Ganga River and walk barefoot to offer it to Shiva temples. They wear saffron clothes and chant Shiva’s name with great devotion. This journey is known as the Kanwar Yatra.
What Can We Learn from Sawan?
Sawan is not just about rituals; it teaches us peace, devotion, and connection with nature. It reminds us to slow down, reflect, and thank the universe for its blessings. Whether you fast, visit a temple, or simply pray from home, this month is the perfect time to grow spiritually.
Final Thoughts on Sawan Somwar 2025
Sawan Somwar 2025 is a beautiful chance to connect with Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. Celebrate this sacred time with love, faith, and devotion. May Mahadev bless you with good health, happiness, and success.