
This auspicious season lasts about a month and is devoted to Lord Shiva. Hindus across the world keep fasts & vigil especially on all four major Mondays to garner the divine blessings of Shiva.
The fast is known as Sawan Somwar and if you are planning for fasting during this favourable time, then this blog is for you.
This guide is illustrated by the most famous astrologer in India, we have tried to provide all the necessary information in it to save your time & patience.
Let’s dive in.
What is Sawan Somwar?
Sawan Somwar is a sacred fasting ritual that occurs every year during the month of monsoon, widely known as Shravan or Sawan. The month of Sawan is usually observed for a month, divided into 4 weeks. As per Hindu vedic texts, the very first day of each week known as Somwar(Monday) is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Thus, all four Somwar of Shravan Months are considered high- auspicious by Shiva’s devotees. And, in order to show devotion, they perform fasts on all four Somwars of Sawan.Sawan Somwar 2025 Dates & Calendar
Here are the Sawan Somwar Vrat Dates for 2025:
Day |
Date |
Tithi |
1st Somwar |
14th July 2025 |
Shravan Krishna Paksha |
2nd Somwar |
21st July, 2025 |
Shravan Krishna Paksha |
3rd Somwar |
28th July, 2025 |
Shravan Shukla Paksha |
4th Somwar |
4th August 2025 |
Shravan Shukla Paksha |
Sawan Somwar Puja Muhurat (Auspicious Timings)
While Sawan Mondays are considered sacred throughout the day, the best time to perform Shiva Puja and Rudrabhishek is during the Pradosh Kaal (approximately 45 minutes before and after sunset).- Ideal Puja Time: Between 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (IST)
- Brahma Muhurat (for early morning worship): 4:00 AM to 5:30 AM
Also checkout our thoughts on Shravan Shivaratri

How to Observe Sawan Somwar Vrat: Rituals & Procedure
Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing Sawan Somwar Vrat:Early Morning Bath and Sankalp (Resolution)
To begin your Sawan vrat (fast) with purity and dedication, it is important to wake up before sunrise, as the early morning hours are considered spiritually powerful and ideal for connecting with divine energy. After waking, take a bath to cleanse the body and mind, and wear clean clothes—preferably white—as the color symbolizes peace, purity, and devotion.Following this, light a diya (oil lamp) in front of Lord Shiva’s idol or picture and take a Sankalp, a sacred vow to observe the fast with full sincerity, faith, and devotion throughout the day. This intention sets the spiritual tone and strengthens your resolve to stay committed to the vrat and its deeper purpose.
Shiva Puja & Rudrabhishek
Begin your Sawan puja by thoroughly cleaning the puja area to create a sacred and serene environment. Place a Shivlinga or a picture of Lord Shiva at the center of your altar to focus your devotion. As part of the Abhishekam ritual, offer Gangajal, milk, honey, curd, and ghee** to the Shivlinga, each representing purity and spiritual nourishment.Follow this by offering sacred items such as belpatra, dhatura, white flowers, sandalwood paste, and bhasma (holy ash), all of which hold deep symbolic significance in Lord Shiva’s worship. While performing these rituals, chant the powerful mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” or recite verses from the Rudra Ashtadhyayi, as these sacred sounds invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings and fill the surroundings with divine energy and peace.
Fasting
During the holy month of Sawan, devotees follow different types of fasting based on their capacity and spiritual discipline. Some choose to observe Nirjala Vrat, a highly austere form of fasting where no food or water is consumed throughout the day, symbolizing complete surrender and devotion to Lord Shiva. Others opt for a Phalahar Vrat, in which only fruits, milk, and water are consumed, allowing the body to remain nourished while maintaining spiritual focus.Regardless of the type of fast, it is important to avoid salt, grains, and processed foods, as these are believed to disturb the body’s natural energy balance and reduce the sanctity of the vrat. This disciplined approach to diet helps purify both body and mind, enhancing the benefits of the fast.
Evening Puja & Bhajans
In the evening, especially during the sacred Pradosh Kaal—the twilight period believed to be highly auspicious—devotees are encouraged to perform Shiva Aarti as part of their daily Sawan rituals. This ceremonial offering of light to Lord Shiva helps invoke divine blessings and fills the space with spiritual energy.Along with the Aarti, one can also chant the Shiva Chalisa or sing soulful Shiva bhajans, which glorify the qualities and deeds of Mahadev. These devotional practices not only deepen one’s connection with the divine but also bring a sense of peace, devotion, and inner joy, making the Sawan vrat more meaningful and spiritually fulfilling.
Break Fast (Parana)
The Sawan fast is traditionally concluded either the next morning after sunrise or at night after completing the puja rituals, depending on personal preference or family tradition. Some devotees choose to break the fast the following day, believing it allows for full spiritual absorption without distraction.Others conclude their fast the same night after performing the final Shiva puja, including Aarti and offering naivedya (food offering). In both cases, it is essential to maintain purity and devotion until the fast is properly ended, ensuring the vrat is completed with reverence and spiritual discipline.
Benefits of Observing Sawan Somwar Vrat
Fasting and praying to Lord Shiva during Sawan has deep spiritual and karmic significance:Observing spiritual practices during the month of Sawan is believed to fulfill heartfelt wishes, especially those related to marriage and relationships, by invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It also helps remove various obstacles in one’s career and personal life, opening doors to new opportunities and growth.
Regular devotion during this time increases mental strength, inner peace, and clarity of thought, enabling better decision-making and emotional balance. Additionally, it is said to clear past karmic debts and purify the soul, allowing one to move forward on a path of righteousness. Ultimately, sincere observance during Sawan leads to spiritual upliftment and grants divine protection, bringing one closer to a higher state of consciousness and grace.
Tips for Devotees During Sawan
During the auspicious month of Sawan, it is highly recommended to visit a nearby Shiva temple every Monday, as this day is considered especially sacred for Lord Shiva. Devotees also perform jalabhishek, the ritual offering of water on the Shiva Linga, preferably on a daily basis, to seek blessings and spiritual purification. Maintaining purity in thoughts and actions is essential during this time, so it is advised to avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tamasic (heavy or impure) foods that disturb mental balance.Instead, one should focus on staying calm, engaging in meditation, and avoiding any form of negative speech or behavior. Acts of charity, helping the underprivileged, and practicing humility further enhance the spiritual benefits of this sacred period, allowing devotees to connect deeply with divine energy and inner peace.
Special Days in Sawan 2025
Along with Sawan Somwars, keep an eye on these significant days:
Date |
Occasion |
23rd July 2025 |
Start of Shravan Month |
9th August 2025 |
|
16th August 2025 |
Hariyali Teej (women fast) |
22nd August 2025 |
Raksha Bandhan (End of Sawan) |
Conclusion
Sawan Somwar is more than a ritual – it’s a spiritual journey toward inner peace, purity, and divine connection. By observing the vrat with sincerity and devotion, you not only honor Lord Shiva but also align yourself with powerful cosmic energies that can transform your life.To get personalized puja rituals, dos and don’ts, and fast guidelines based on your birth chart, consult Pt. Pawan Kaushik, one of the best astrologers in India.
Book Your Appointment Today to discover how this Sawan can bring divine blessings into your life.