Sawan 2026 Start and End Dates: Sawan—also known as Shravan—is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar and is considered extremely dear to Lord Shiva. This holy month begins on the *Pratipada Tithi* (first day) of the *Shravan Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon). *Shravani* fairs commence in many places on this day and continue throughout the month. During Sawan, devotees of Shiva perform special prayers, undertake the *Kanwar Yatra*, and perform *Abhishek* (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva with *Gangajal* (water from the Ganges) or other holy water to seek the fulfillment of their wishes. In some regions, this pilgrimage lasts until *Sawan Shivratri*, while in others, it continues for the entire month. Observing fasts on the Mondays of Sawan also holds special religious significance. Let us look at the complete details regarding the start and end dates of Sawan 2026 and the Monday fasts.

When does Sawan 2026 begin?

According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the *Shravan Krishna Pratipada Tithi* begins at 8:05 PM on July 29 and continues until 9:30 PM on July 30. Since sunrise on July 30 occurs during the *Pratipada Tithi* (at 5:41 AM), the month of Sawan is considered to commence on this day.

What is the duration of Sawan?
This year, the month of Sawan will span a total of 31 days. It begins on July 30 and concludes on August 28 with *Shravan Purnima* (full moon day). The *Purnima Tithi* begins at 9:08 AM on August 27 and lasts until 9:48 AM on August 28. The festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on this day.

Sawan Monday Fasts 2026

There will be a total of four Monday fasts during Sawan this year, as follows:

First Sawan Monday: August 3
Second Sawan Monday: August 10
Third Sawan Monday: August 17
Fourth Sawan Monday: August 24

Various auspicious *Yogas* (astrological combinations) will also form on these Mondays, further enhancing the significance of the fasts.

Why is there a difference in dates between North and South India? There is a difference in the commencement of the month of Sawan between North and South India, primarily due to the calculation methods used in the almanac (*Panchang*). North Indian states—such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh—follow the *Purnimant* system. Under this system, the new month begins on the first day (*Pratipada*) of the dark fortnight (*Krishna Paksha*) following the full moon (*Purnima*) and concludes on the next full moon.

Conversely, states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana follow the *Amant* system. Here, the new month begins on the first day (*Pratipada*) of the bright fortnight (*Shukla Paksha*) following the new moon (*Amavasya*) and ends on the next new moon. Consequently, the month begins approximately 15 days earlier in North India compared to South and West India.

**Religious Significance of Sawan**

According to mythological beliefs, Sawan is linked to the legend of the *Samudra Manthan* (Churning of the Ocean). During this churning process, a deadly poison emerged first, placing the entire creation in peril. Lord Shiva consumed the poison and held it in his throat, earning the name *Neelkanth* (the Blue-Throated One). The poison generated intense heat in his body; to soothe this heat, the gods and goddesses offered water. This marked the origin of the tradition of *Jalabhishek* (ritual offering of water) on the *Shivling* during Sawan. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva with a sincere heart during this month pleases Him and leads to the fulfillment of all the devotees' wishes.

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