The Shravan Maas, also known as Sawan Maas, is the fifth and auspicious month in the Hindu calendar and holds a significance for Hindus. During the month, the Shravan Nakshatra is said to be the ruling star on full moon day and hence the name Shravan. The entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated by devotees by observing fasts, performing pujas and making offerings to the Lord. In the Hindu calendar, there are two methods to mark the lunar month – one from Purnima to Purnima (known as Purnimanta calendar) and the other from Amavasya to Amavasya (known as Amanta calendar). Hence, the dates of Shravan may vary in Western and Southern parts of India. The Northern states follow Purnimanta calendar while the Southern ones follow Amanta calendar.
According to the Purnimanta calendar, in 2019, the month of Shravan begins on July 17 (Wednesday) and ends on August 15 (Thursday). The states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand will follow the calendar. The whole month is considered auspicious to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. All Mondays in the month of Shravan are considered auspicious for fasting and known as Shravan Somwar or Sawan Somwar vrat.
Shravan Somvar dates as per Purnimanta calendar are:
· First Monday: July 22
· Second Monday: July 29
· Third Monday: August 5
· Fourth Monday: August 12
