In Sanatan Dharma, every single of the 12 months in a year holds great significance. Each month is marked by various festivals and celebrations. The month of Sawan is particularly dedicated to Lord Shiva. In addition to its spiritual importance, several major fasts and festivals are observed during this period. For this year, the month of Sawan will commence on July 22 and conclude on August 19. According to the Hindu calendar, numerous significant fasts and festivals will take place during this month. Some of the major observances include Sawan Somvar (dedicated Mondays of Sawan), Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Pradosh Vrat, and Raksha Bandhan.

Ayodhya’s astrologer, Pandit Kalki Ram, said in an interview that the month of Sawan holds immense importance in Sanatan Dharma due to its dedication to Lord Shiva. During this month, Shiva devotees engage in special worship practices. Each Monday, known as Sawan Somvar, devotees visit Shiva temples to perform Jalabhishek, a ritual involving the offering of water to Lord Shiva, and they observe fasts. Besides these Monday rituals, several other major fasts and festivals occur in this month, each carrying its own significance.

Hariyali Teej is celebrated by women, who fast and pray for the well-being of their husbands. Nag Panchami involves the worship of serpents, acknowledging their importance in Hindu mythology and seeking their blessings. Pradosh Vrat is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvati for prosperity and happiness. Raksha Bandhan, a widely celebrated festival, honours the bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters tying a protective thread (rakhi) around their brothers’ wrists, who in turn promise to protect them.

List of major fasts and festivals in the month of Sawan:

First Monday of Sawan: 22nd July

Mangala Gauri Vrat: 23rd July

Gajanan Sankashti Chaturthi: 24th July

Kalashtami: 27th July (monthly Krishna Janmashtami fast)

Second Monday of Sawan: 30th July

Mangala Gauri Vrat: 31st July

Kamika Ekadashi: 5th August

Third Monday of Sawan: 6th August

Durga Ashtami (monthly): 7th August

Hariyali Teej: 8th August

Vinayak Chaturthi: 9th August

Nag Panchami: 12th August

Chauth Monday: 13th August

Mangala Gauri Vrat: 16th August

Putrada Ekadashi: 19th August

Raksha Bandhan: 19th August (falls on the fifth Monday of Sawan)