Sawan 2025: Start Date, Significance & Ritual Guide

As the monsoon season embraces India, devotees eagerly await the arrival of Sawan Maas (also known as Shravan Maas), a month revered as exceptionally sacred in Hinduism. Dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, Sawan is a period of intense devotion, fasting, and spiritual reflection. The perennial question on many minds as the year progresses is: "When does Sawan begin in 2025?"

Understanding the precise start date of Sawan is crucial for millions who observe special rituals, undertake fasts, and plan their pilgrimages. This full guide will clarify the Sawan 2025 start date , delve into its profound spiritual significance, explain how its dates are determined by the lunar calendar, and highlight the key observances that make this month so special for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Quick Look: Sawan 2025 Essential Dates

• Sawan (Shravan) Maas Begins (North India - Purnimanta Calendar): Friday, July 11, 2025
• First Sawan Somvar (North India): Monday, July 14, 2025
• Sawan (Shravan) Maas Ends (North India): Saturday, August 9, 2025
• Total Sawan Somvar (North India): 4 (July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, 2025)
• Sawan (Shravan) Maas Begins (South & West India - Amanta Calendar): Friday, July 25, 2025
• First Sawan Somvar (South & West India): Monday, July 28, 2025
• Sawan (Shravan) Maas Ends (South & West India): Saturday, August 23, 2025

(Note: Dates are based on common Panchang estimations. Always confirm with a local priest or panchang for precise regional timings.)

In This Guide, You Will Find:

What is Sawan (Shravan) Maas and its Significance?

Sawan, or Shravan Maas , is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar. It is widely considered the most auspicious month for worshipping Lord Shiva , the Mahadev. Mythology states that during this month, Lord Shiva consumed the 'Halahala' (poison) that emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), saving the universe from its destructive effects. To alleviate the poison's burning sensation, all the Devas offered water to Lord Shiva, which is why offering water (Jal Abhishek) to Shivlingas is a central ritual during Sawan.

The month also aligns with the peak of the monsoon season, when nature is lush and vibrant, symbolizing renewal and abundance. The cool, refreshing rains are seen as a natural Abhishek (ablution) for Lord Shiva, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and making it a favored time for devotion.

Sawan 2025 Start Date Explained: Purnimanta vs. Amanta Calendars

The exact Sawan Start Date can sometimes cause confusion due to the two main Hindu lunar calendar systems followed in India:

• Purnimanta Calendar (North India): This calendar is predominantly followed in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Jharkhand. In this system, a new month begins after the Purnima (full moon) of the previous month. Therefore, Sawan Maas begins after Ashadha Purnima. For Sawan 2025 , the month will commence on Friday, July 11, 2025 , in these regions. The month will conclude on Shravan Purnima, which falls on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
• Amanta Calendar (South India & West India): This system is widely observed in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In this calendar, a new month begins after the Amavasya (new moon) of the previous month. Consequently, Sawan Maas starts after Ashadha Amavasya. For Sawan 2025 , Shravan Maas will begin on Friday, July 25, 2025 , marking the start of the month in these regions. The month will conclude on Shravan Amavasya, which falls on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

It's important for devotees to confirm which calendar system is followed in their specific region or by their family traditions to observe the correct dates for Shravan Maas .

Significance of Sawan Somvar (Mondays)

Mondays, known as 'Somvar,' hold immense significance during Sawan Maas , as Monday is traditionally considered Lord Shiva's day. Devotees observe special fasts and perform elaborate pujas on these days to seek Lord Shiva's blessings for health, wealth, happiness, and marital bliss. Unmarried girls often fast on Sawan Somvars to pray for a good husband, believing that worshipping Shiva during this period can fulfill their wishes.

For Sawan 2025 , following the North Indian (Purnimanta) calendar, there will be 4 auspicious Sawan Somvar Vrats :

• First Sawan Somvar: Monday, July 14, 2025
• Second Sawan Somvar: Monday, July 21, 2025
• Third Sawan Somvar: Monday, July 28, 2025
• Fourth Sawan Somvar: Monday, August 4, 2025

For South & West Indian (Amanta) calendar followers, the Somvars will fall as:

• First Sawan Somvar: Monday, July 28, 2025
• Second Sawan Somvar: Monday, August 4, 2025
• Third Sawan Somvar: Monday, August 11, 2025
• Fourth Sawan Somvar: Monday, August 18, 2025

Key Rituals and Practices During Sawan Maas

The month of Sawan is characterized by various devotional practices aimed at pleasing Lord Shiva . These Sawan Rituals are observed with great fervor:

• Jal Abhishek: Offering sacred water, milk, bilva patra (बेल पत्र), dhatura (धतूरा), and other sacred items to the Shivlinga is a primary ritual performed daily or on Mondays.
• Sawan Somvar Vrat: Observing fasts on Mondays is a popular practice. Some devotees observe a 'Nirjala' fast (without water), while others opt for a 'Falahari' fast (consuming only fruits and milk).
• Rudrabhishek: Performing Rudrabhishek, a special ritual involving the anointing of the Shivlinga with various sacred substances, is believed to invoke immense blessings.
• Kanwar Yatra: A significant pilgrimage where devotees, known as 'Kanwariyas,' fetch holy water from sacred rivers (like the Ganges) and carry it in Kanwars (pots balanced on a pole) to offer to Shiva temples.
• Recitation of Mantras: Chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (महामृत्युंजय मंत्र) is common throughout the month.
• Temple Visits: Devotees flock to Shiva temples to offer prayers and participate in special pujas and aartis.

Why Sawan is Spiritually Important for Devotees

Sawan Maas is not just a month of rituals; it's a period of deep spiritual cleansing and heightened connection with the divine. It is believed that during Sawan, Lord Shiva is in a very benevolent mood and is more inclined to grant wishes to his sincere devotees. The unique alignment of planetary positions during this month is also considered highly favorable for spiritual practices and meditation.

Observing Sawan Rituals with dedication is believed to absolve sins, bring prosperity, ensure marital happiness, and protect one from negative energies. It's a time for self-purification, self-discipline, and strengthening one's faith, making it a pivotal time in the Hindu calendar.

Regional Variations and Local Panchang

While the broader understanding of Sawan remains consistent, it's vital to note that minor variations in dates or specific customs can occur depending on regional traditions, local Panchang (Hindu calendar) interpretations, and the specific temple's practices. Always consult a local priest, a trusted community elder, or a well-known local Panchang for the most accurate and precise dates and timings relevant to your specific location or family tradition.

Conclusion: Embrace the Sawan of 2025

As we approach mid-2025, the anticipation for Sawan Maas grows. With the Sawan Start Date for North India falling on Friday, July 11, 2025 , and the first Somwar on Monday, July 14, 2025 , devotees can mark their calendars to embark on this sacred journey of devotion to Lord Shiva. Whether through fasting, performing Abhishek, or simply maintaining a spiritual mindset, Sawan offers a unique opportunity for inner peace and divine blessings.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the divine aura of this holy month. May Lord Shiva shower his choicest blessings upon you and your family throughout Sawan 2025 !