Shravan (Sawan) is the holiest month of the Hindu calendar, dedicated entirely to Lord Shiva. In 2026, following the Adhik Maas earlier in the year, Shravan begins on Thursday, July 30 in the North Indian (Purnimanta) calendar and runs to Friday, August 28 — with every Monday observed as Sawan Somwar.
Shravan 2026: Key Dates
- Shravan begins (North India / Purnimanta): Thursday, July 30, 2026
- Sawan Somwar fasts (North): August 3, August 10, August 17 and August 24 — four Somwars in 2026
- Shravan Shivratri: August 12, 2026 (Krishna Chaturdashi)
- Hariyali Amavasya: August 12–13, 2026
- Shravan Purnima / Raksha Bandhan: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Shravan begins (Amanta — Maharashtra, Gujarat, South): around August 14, 2026, running to September 11; Amanta Somwars fall on August 17, 24, 31 and September 7
Why Shravan Is Sacred
Tradition holds that the samudra manthan — the churning of the cosmic ocean — took place in this month, and that Shiva drank the halahala poison to save creation. Devotees offer water and bel patra on the Shivling through Shravan, believed to cool and please Mahadev. It is considered the single most powerful month to begin any spiritual practice.
What Devotees Do in Sawan
- Jal abhishek — offering water or milk on the Shivling, especially on Mondays
- Sawan Somwar fasting and the chanting of Om Namah Shivaya
- Offering bel patra, dhatura and white flowers
- Avoiding alcohol, non-vegetarian food and tamasic habits for the month
- Rudrabhishek for families seeking peace and protection
What to Wear in Shravan
Shravan is traditionally considered the most auspicious month to begin wearing rudraksha — the bead said to have formed from Shiva's own tears. Many devotees also wear karungali (ebony wood) for protection through the month's discipline. Explore our Rudraksha collection and Karungali collection — every piece is energised with Vedic mantras before dispatch. New to rudraksha? Read why Shravan is the best month to start.
FAQ
When does Sawan start in 2026? July 30 in the North Indian calendar; around August 14 in the Amanta calendar followed in Maharashtra, Gujarat and the South.
How many Sawan Somwars are there in 2026? Four in the North Indian calendar — August 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Can I start wearing rudraksha in Shravan? Yes — tradition considers it the most auspicious month to begin, ideally on a Sawan Somwar morning.
Dates follow the Purnimanta calendar and published panchang data; tithi start and end timings vary by city, so confirm your local muhurat on a trusted panchang before the ritual.
