
Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 Guide: Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi, Fasting Rules, Benefits & Shiva Blessings for Unmarried and Married Devotees
Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025, Fasting Guide: The month of Sawan is considered one of the holiest times in the Hindu calendar, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. Every Monday (Somwar) in this month holds special significance. People, especially women and unmarried girls, observe the Sawan Somwar Vrat to seek Lord Shiva's blessings for a good life partner. Lord Shiva is also worshipped for a happy married life, good health, and spiritual peace.
ET Online Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025, Fasting Guide: How to Do Sawan Somwar Vrat – A Simple and Devotional Guide 🌙 Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 Guide: If you are interested in keeping this vrat, you can follow a step-by-step guide to help you perform it with devotion and clarity.
1. Get Ready the Night Before:
Before you sleep on Sunday night, keep your house, especially the area where you will do the puja, clean. You can gather everything you will need in the morning: The ingredients required for Puja are flowers, belpatra, milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar, fruits, incense sticks, a diya (lamp), camphor, and a picture or Shivling of Lord Shiva.
2. Wake Up Early and Take a Bath: Try to wake up during the early morning hours. You should ideally wake up around Brahma Muhurta (4–6 AM). After taking a bath, wear clean (light-coloured) clothes. The ideal colour can be white or yellow. You should get ready for the vrat with a peaceful and positive mind.
3. Take a Sankalp (Vow):
Before starting your puja, sit quietly in front of the Shiva idol or Shivling and take a Sankalp. Sankalp is a heartfelt promise to observe this fast with devotion. You should mentally express your wishes or prayers to Lord Shiva.
4. Do Abhishekam (Offer Sacred Bath to Lord Shiva)
The most important part of the vrat is offering a Panchamrit Abhishek to Lord Shiva. You can do this either at home or at a nearby temple. Here's how:1. First, pour clean water or Ganga Jal to purify the Shivling.2. Then pour each item of Panchamrit one by one:a) Milkb) Curdc) Honeyd) Gheee) Sugar3. End again with water or Ganga Jal to complete the abhishek.While doing this, keep chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Let your mind stay focused and peaceful.
5. Offer Belpatra and Other Items: Once abhishekam is done, offer belpatra (with three leaves), white flowers, fruits, and incense. You can also offer dhatura, bhang, or sandalwood paste if you have them. You can light the diya and incense sticks and spend a few moments in prayer.
6. Listen to the Vrat Katha (Story)
Now, read or listen to the Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha. It usually tells the story of a devotee whose faith and devotion pleased Lord Shiva. Hearing this leads to the fulfilment of their wishes. These stories help deepen your understanding and connection to the vrat.After that, you can also recite Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, or Lingashtakam if time permits.
7. About Fasting – Choose What Suits You There are three common ways to observe the fast:a) Nirjal Vrat – No food or water all day (only if you're healthy and used to fasting).b) Phalahar Vrat – You can have fruits, water, and milk.c) One-Meal Vrat – Eat only once in the evening. The meal should be satvik (no garlic, onion, or grains).Pick the type that suits your health and capacity. Lord Shiva is not strict. He values your intent and devotion more than rituals.
8. Evening Puja and Breaking the Fast In the evening, before breaking your fast, you should perform a small puja again. Light a lamp (diya), offer flowers or belpatra, and sing a short Shiv Aarti (like "Om Jai Shiv Omkara").If you're following the one-meal vrat, you can eat after the puja. If you are doing a full-day fast, you may break it after moonrise or at night after prayer.
9. Continue the Vrat (Optional) Many people choose to keep this fast every Monday throughout Sawan. If you feel a connection and have time, you can do that too. It brings peace and joy when done with devotion.
Final Thoughts: Sawan Somwar Vrat is not just about skipping meals. It is about tuning into your inner self and letting go of negativity. It can help in connecting with Lord Shiva. Whether you're praying for a life partner or peace in your marriage or simply wishing to be close to Shiva, do this vrat with a clean heart and steady mind. Lord Shiva listens. He always does.
Written by: Anand Sagar Pathak of Astropatri.com. For feedback, write to hello@astropatri.com
Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News18
39 minutes ago
- News18
Guru Purnima 2025: Date And Significance
Guru Purnima, a revered Hindu festival honouring spiritual and academic teachers, falls on July 10 this year.


News18
9 hours ago
- News18
Non-Veg Milk: What Is This Latest Controversy Between India And US?
Last Updated: 'Non-veg milk' refers to milk from cows fed animal byproducts like bone meal and meat powder, a practice common in the US but seen as non-vegetarian by Indian dietary standards The idea of non-vegetarian milk has raised eyebrows, challenging long-held assumptions about dairy. The agreement between US and India on dairy products remains stalled due to this dispute. Milk is now being categorised as vegetarian or non-vegetarian based on its source and production methods. India has classified certain American dairy products as non-vegetarian. This stems from the widespread belief that cows do not consume meat, as it goes against their natural diet and well-being. India and the US aim to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, but talks over dairy imports have been stalled. India has been refusing US dairy products citing cultural concerns. The biggest hurdle in this is 'non-vegetarian milk", citing which India has refused to allow US dairy imports. The term 'non-veg milk" may sound surprising, as milk has traditionally been considered a vegetarian product. However, in recent years, it has become the subject of international controversy, particularly between countries like the United States and India. While 'non-veg milk" is not a recognised scientific term, it refers to milk produced by cows that are fed feed containing animal byproducts such as bone meal and meat powder. This practice, common in some countries including the US, clashes with Indian dietary norms, where such feed is seen as rendering the milk non-vegetarian. These include powdered meat and bones of dead animals, fish meal, and animal fat. When cows are fed such animal-derived ingredients, their milk is not considered 'pure vegetarian" by certain religious communities. Why India And The US Are At Odds Over 'Non-Veg' Milk The controversy is rooted in religious and cultural beliefs. In India, the idea that a cow has been fed meat-based or non-vegetarian fodder is unacceptable to many. Such milk is not considered holy or suitable for consumption. Several religious groups, particularly Hindu and Jain communities, believe that a cow must be strictly vegetarian for its milk to be regarded as pure and sacred. Do American Dairy Exporters Use Animal-Based Feed For Their Cattle? Many American dairy companies that export products like milk powder, ghee, and butter to India often raise their cows on non-vegetarian feed. This practice has led to religious and ethical objections from Indian consumers. What Labelling Does India Require For Dairy Products From Cows Fed Animal‑Based Feed? In 2021–22, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposed a rule stating that if the milk used in a dairy product comes from cows fed animal-based feed, the product must carry a 'non-veg' symbol on its packaging. This move sparked objections from American companies and trade groups, who argued that milk should still be considered vegetarian since it is produced by the cow's body and not derived directly from the feed. Why Are Cows Fed Non-Veg Feed Abroad? Dead animal bones and flesh are added to cattle feed to boost protein content, while fish meal provides both protein and omega fatty acids. Chicken waste is used as a low-cost, nutrient-rich feed, and pig or cow fat is added as a calorie supplement. Such practices are common on a large scale in countries like the United States, Brazil, and across Europe. What Do Cows Eat In India? In India, cows are primarily fed vegetarian feed such as dry straw, green fodder, maize, wheat grains, and bran. While some large dairy farms have begun adopting foreign feeding practices, non-vegetarian feed remains widely unacceptable due to strong religious sentiments. How To Identify Pure Vegetarian Milk? Branded milk often carries labels such as '100% Vegetarian Feed", 'Gaushala Based," or 'Organic Veg Feed", indicating that the cows were not fed any animal-derived ingredients. In the case of local dairy farms, it is common to inquire about the cow's diet. Milk sourced from gaushalas is generally considered the most reliable. If the cow is given only green fodder, dry straw, oil cakes, and grains, the milk is regarded as pure vegetarian. Many local dairies in India also identify themselves as 'rendered feed free," stating on their packaging that their cows are fed exclusively on plant-based feed with no animal by-products. Take the example of 'A2 Milk from Gaushalas". Several cow-based organisations in India, such as Akhil Bhartiya Gauseva Sangh and Panchgavya-based dairies, produce milk from A2 breeds of indigenous cows while ensuring a completely vegetarian feed. Preference is often given to milk that is 'Organic Certified," as it typically adheres to strict vegetarian feeding practices. Can Lab Tests Detect Non-Veg Elements In Milk? Laboratory testing can help trace certain markers in milk, such as its fatty acid profile, carnitine levels, or traces of fish oil. However, these tests are complex and expensive. As of now, there is no reliable method to determine definitively whether a cow was fed vegetarian or meat-based fodder just by analysing the milk. Which Countries Feed Cows Non-Vegetarian Fodder? Apart from the United States, many countries feed cows non-vegetarian fodder—containing meat, bones, fish meal, and animal fat, especially in dairy and beef production. In Brazil, poultry waste, fish meal, and animal fat are commonly used to reduce costs. In China, mixed animal-based feed is widespread, particularly in industrial farming. Such feed practices are also common in Europe, Russia, Mexico, Thailand, and the Philippines, where local regulations tend to be less stringent. Is There A Difference Between Milk From Veg-Fed And Non-Veg-Fed Cows? There may be some differences between the two, but they are typically subtle and occur at the micro level. These variations generally do not have a significant impact on health or taste. top videos View all Is Milk From Non-Veg-Fed Cows Harmful To Health? Most scientific studies have found that milk produced from non-vegetarian feed is nutritionally safe for consumption. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : dairy farming dairy products feed Gaushala India US trade milk non-vegetarian Organic United states view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 17, 2025, 12:36 IST News explainers Non-Veg Milk: What Is This Latest Controversy Between India And US? | Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
What she ate, how she lived - How the Russian woman spent 8 years in a cave in a forest near a popular tourist place in Karnataka
In an astonishing revelation from the Ramatirtha forested region of Kumta taluk , in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, a 40-year-old Russian woman named Nina Kutina—also known locally as Mohi—was discovered living inside a secluded cave with her two daughters. As reported by Press Trust of India (PTI), Kutina originally entered India in 2016 on a business visa. Despite her visa having expired in 2017, she chose to remain in the country, drawn deeply to Hindu beliefs and Indian spiritual philosophies. After initially traveling through Goa, she found her spiritual sanctuary in Gokarna , a town along Karnataka's sacred coastline. Years Of Seclusion And Simplicity For the past two months, Kutina and her daughters were residing in a cave tucked within the lush Ramatirtha hills. However, authorities later uncovered that this episode was part of a broader, eight-year-long journey that had seen the family living off-grid across various parts of India. The trio had detached themselves entirely from modern amenities, with no access to electricity, mobile communication, or formal housing. The Indian Express highlighted that the cave served as their multipurpose space—functioning as their home, classroom, temple, and kitchen. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MCA Cybersecurity Others healthcare Design Thinking Operations Management Finance PGDM others Degree MBA Data Analytics Data Science Digital Marketing Management Data Science Product Management Healthcare Project Management Technology Artificial Intelligence Leadership Public Policy CXO Skills you'll gain: Programming Proficiency Data Handling & Analysis Cybersecurity Awareness & Skills Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Master of Computer Applications Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details A Lifestyle Shaped By Nature And Devotion Their days were spent immersed in nature's rhythm. According to accounts from PTI, the family followed a natural lifestyle—rising at dawn, swimming in rivers, preparing food on wood fires, and engaging in various creative and spiritual pursuits such as drawing, singing, and reading. The cave's interior was adorned with Russian-language books, religious idols, and images of Hindu gods. A small Rudra idol symbolized Kutina's spiritual focus, revealing the depth of her dedication to Hindu practices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo In an interview with ANI , Mohi revealed her daughters bathed in waterfalls and learned to make art from clay. During their time outdoors, they encountered wildlife, including snakes, but remarkably, no harm came to them. Kutina noted during her conversation with police officials that even wild creatures coexisted peacefully with them in the jungle. A Mother's Structured Routine for Her Daughters Gokarna Sub Inspector Sridhar S R, who was part of the patrol team that eventually located the family, informed The Indian Express that Kutina had preserved a well-organized routine for her daughters. Activities included yoga, mantra chanting, singing, and drawing—designed to instill discipline and cultural learning. Even on the Sunday when she was found, Kutina was seen guiding her daughters through yoga exercises. Survival Without Modern Comforts Despite the lack of electricity and infrastructure, the family adapted with remarkable resilience. As Times of India reported, Kutina prepared daily meals, educated her children using oral traditions, and measured time using natural light rather than clocks. Her children, unfamiliar with modern beds, slept on plastic sheets laid out on the cave floor. During the monsoon, they wore minimal clothing and relied on stored candles, which were rarely used. Groceries, Instant Noodles, and Monsoon Preparedness Superintendent of Police M Narayana of Uttara Kannada district confirmed to Hindustan Times that Kutina had taken proactive steps to stock up on essential food supplies, particularly instant noodles, in anticipation of the monsoon season. He expressed amazement at their ability to endure the forest's harsh living conditions, emphasizing that the family had been fortunate to escape harm during their time in isolation. This rediscovered life of Nina Kutina and her daughters, far removed from civilization, offers a rare glimpse into an extraordinary commitment to spiritual exploration and minimalist survival.