Sawan 2026 Start Date, Somwar Vrat Dates & Puja Vidhi

Sawan (Shravan) is the holiest month of the year for devotees of Lord Shiva. Sawan 2026 begins on Thursday, July 30, and ends on Friday, August 28, in North India. For the next four weeks, temples across the country will echo with “Om Namah Shivaya” as devotees perform Jalabhishek, observe Somwar Vrat, and seek Mahadev’s blessings.

In this guide, you’ll find the exact Sawan 2026 dates for both North and South India, all four Sawan Somwar Vrat dates, the Sawan Shivratri muhurat, and a complete step-by-step puja vidhi you can follow at home or at your nearest Shiva temple.

When Does Sawan 2026 Start?

According to the North Indian Purnimanta calendar, Sawan 2026 starts on Thursday, July 30, 2026, and concludes on Friday, August 28, 2026 — Shravan Purnima, which also coincides with Raksha Bandhan this year.

You may see some sources mention July 29 — this confusion happens because the Shravan Krishna Pratipada tithi technically begins a little earlier, but since Hindu months are counted from sunrise, the month officially starts on July 30.

North India vs South India: Why the Dates Differ

This is the single most-asked question every year, so let’s clear it up:

Both calendars celebrate the same festivals and rituals — only the calendar window shifts by about two weeks. If you’re unsure which one applies to you, follow the calendar your family or local temple already observes.

Sawan 2026 Full Calendar (Key Dates at a Glance)

All 4 Sawan Somwar Vrat Dates 2026

Every Monday in Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the most powerful days to seek his blessings. In 2026, there are four Sawan Somwar Vrats:

Sawan Somwar Highlights

• First Somwar – August 3, 2026
• Second Somwar – August 10, 2026
• Third Somwar – August 17, 2026 (also Nag Panchami)
• Fourth Somwar – August 24, 2026

Some devotees also begin the Solah Somwar Vrat (16 consecutive Mondays) starting from the first Sawan Somwar — this is especially popular among unmarried women praying for a good life partner, and married women praying for their husband’s wellbeing.

Sawan Shivratri 2026: Date & Nishita Kaal Muhurat

Sawan Shivratri (also called Masik Shivratri of Shravan) falls on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

• Nishita Kaal Puja Muhurat: 12:05 AM to 12:48 AM
• Vrat Parana (breaking the fast): After 5:49 AM on August 12, 2026

This is considered one of the most auspicious nights of the month for Rudrabhishek and midnight Shiva puja.

Sawan Somwar Puja Vidhi (Step by Step)

Follow these steps for a simple and effective Sawan Somwar puja at home:

Puja Vidhi Steps

• Wake up early (Brahma Muhurat) and take a bath, ideally in fresh/cold water
• Wear clean clothes, preferably white or saffron
• Set up the Shivling or Shiva idol/photo on a clean platform facing east or north
• Perform Jalabhishek — pour clean water (Gangajal if available) over the Shivling while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”
• Offer Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar), followed by a final rinse of plain water
• Offer Bilva (Bel) leaves, white flowers, and Dhatura — all especially dear to Lord Shiva
• Light a diya and incense sticks, and perform aarti
• Chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or “Om Namah Shivaya” at least 108 times using a Rudraksha mala
• Read or listen to the Shiv Chalisa or Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha
• Break your fast (if observing one) in the evening after the puja, with satvik food only

Sawan Vrat Rules: What to Eat & What to Avoid

Foods Allowed During Fasting

• Fruits, milk, curd, and buttermilk
• Sabudana (sago), singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), rajgira
• Sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt

Strictly Avoid

• Meat, fish, and eggs
• Alcohol
• Onion and garlic
• Packaged, fried, or processed food

Some devotees observe a partial fast (one meal a day) while others keep a strict fast, consuming only water or fruits until sunset.

FAQs

Q1. Is Sawan 2026 starting on 29 or 30 July?
Sawan 2026 officially begins on July 30, 2026 in North India, since Hindu months are counted from sunrise, even though the tithi technically begins a little earlier on July 29.

Q2. How many Sawan Somwar are there in 2026?
There are 4 Sawan Somwar Vrats in North India in 2026 — August 3, 10, 17, and 24.

Q3. Why do North and South India celebrate Sawan on different dates?
North India follows the Purnimanta calendar (month ends on full moon), while South and West India follow the Amanta calendar (month ends on new moon) — creating roughly a two-week gap between the two.

Q4. What is the significance of Sawan Shivratri 2026?
Sawan Shivratri falls on August 11, 2026, and is considered one of the most powerful nights for worshipping Lord Shiva through Nishita Kaal puja and Rudrabhishek.

Q5. Can pregnant women or people with health conditions observe Sawan Somwar Vrat?
Fasting rules can be relaxed based on health — many people opt for a partial fast (fruits and milk only) instead of a strict water-only fast. It’s always best to consult a doctor before fasting if you have any medical condition.

Q6. What should I offer Lord Shiva during Sawan?
Water (Jalabhishek), milk, Bilva leaves, white flowers, Dhatura, and Bhasma (sacred ash) are considered the most beloved offerings to Lord Shiva during Sawan.

Har Har Mahadev! 🙏 Which Sawan Somwar Vrat are you observing this year? Let us know in the comments below.