Sawan 2025: Dates, Significance, and all you need to know

India Today

03-07-2025

The holy month of Sawan, also known as Shravan, is considered one of the most auspicious periods in the Hindu calendar. It is especially dedicated to Lord Shiva, and devotees across India observe fasting and prayers every Monday, known as Somwar Vrat. However, due to different lunar calendar systems, the dates for Sawan vary across regions.advertisementSAWAN 2025 DATES AS PER REGIONAL CALENDARSIn 2025, the dates for the beginning and end of Sawan depend on the calendar system followed in different parts of India.North India (Purnimanta calendar)Sawan begins on July 11, 2025 (Friday) and ends on August 8, 2025 (Friday).This calendar is followed in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.South and Western India (Amanta calendar)Sawan starts on July 25, 2025 (Friday) and ends on August 22, 2025 (Friday).This calendar is followed in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.Nepal and some Himalayan regions (solar calendar)Sawan begins on July 16, 2025, and ends on August 15, 2025, following a different solar-based regional tradition.SOMWAR VRAT DATES IN SAWAN 2025These are the Mondays observed as Somwar Vrat across different calendar systems:advertisementNorth India (Purnimanta system)1st Somwar – July 14, 20252nd Somwar – July 21, 20253rd Somwar – July 28, 20254th Somwar – August 4, 2025South and West India (Amanta system)1st Somwar – July 28, 20252nd Somwar – August 4, 20253rd Somwar – August 11, 20254th Somwar – August 18, 2025Nepal and Solar Calendar Followers1st Somwar – July 21, 20252nd Somwar – July 28, 20253rd Somwar – August 4, 20254th Somwar – August 11, 2025WHY DO THE DATES VARY ACROSS REGIONS?The primary reason for the difference in dates is the use of two lunar calendar systemsThe Purnimanta calendar, used in the North, starts the month from the day after a full moon.The Amanta calendar, followed in the South and West, starts the month from the day after a new moon.As a result, Sawan begins approximately 15 days earlier in North India compared to the South.SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SAWAN AND SOMWAR VRATThe month of Sawan is believed to be especially dear to Lord Shiva. Fasting on Mondays, performing Rudrabhishek (sacred bathing of Shiva Lingam), chanting Shiva mantras, and visiting temples are key rituals.Many unmarried women also observe Somwar Vrats during this month, seeking blessings for a good life partner, while others do it for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.POPULAR RITUALS AND PRACTICESadvertisementFasting: Devotees usually consume only fruits, milk, or light vegetarian food without salt.Rudrabhishek: Offerings of water, milk, honey, and bel patra to Lord Shiva.Kanwar Yatra: Pilgrims carry Ganga water to offer at Shiva temples.Bhajans and prayers: Special chants and devotional songs are sung throughout the month.No matter which regional calendar you follow, the spirit of devotion during Sawan remains the same. It is a time for inner cleansing, devotion, and surrender to Lord Shiva. Make note of your region's Somwar dates and observe the vrats with sincerity for divine blessings.- Ends