Devotees of Lord Shiva are gearing up for Sawan, the most cherished month in the Shiv bhakti calendar, and anticipation is building well before it arrives. The entire month is considered ideal for worshipping Shiva, with devotees observing fasts and undertaking the Kanwar Yatra as part of the celebrations. Sawan is also known as Shravan month, and every Monday that falls within it is regarded as especially auspicious for fasting. Observing a fast on Sawan Mondays is believed to fulfil a devotee's wishes, which is why many choose to keep fasts continuously from the first Monday through all sixteen Mondays, a practice known as Solah Somvar. Here is when Sawan begins in 2026 and the date of the first Monday fast.
When Does Sawan 2026 Begin
According to the Hindu calendar, Sawan, Lord Shiva's favourite month, will begin on 30 July 2026. Throughout the month, Shiva temples across the country witness huge crowds of devotees, with long queues forming for jalabhishek. Large numbers of devotees carry Kanwar on foot to reach prominent Shiva temples during this period and perform jalabhishek once they arrive. It is believed that completing the Kanwar Yatra fulfils every wish of the devotee and frees them from suffering, illness and hardship. The sacred month of Sawan will conclude on 28 August, meaning this celebration of devotion to Shiva continues for close to a month.
Why Sawan Monday Fasts Matter
Mondays falling during Sawan hold special religious significance. Devotees who fast on these days are believed to receive the particular blessings of Lord Shiva, a belief that has persisted for generations. In 2026, the first Sawan Monday fast will be observed on 3 August 2026. These Mondays are also referred to as Somvari fasts. Along with fasting, it is customary to perform Rudrabhishek on this day. It is believed that devotees who perform Rudrabhishek receive the blessings of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This is also why many devotees choose to begin their Solah Somvar fast, sixteen consecutive Monday fasts, starting from the first Monday of Sawan.
Sawan 2026 Monday Fast Dates
Anyone planning to observe the Sawan Monday fasts this year can note down the following dates.
First Sawan Monday fast, 3 August 2026
Second Sawan Monday fast, 10 August 2026
Third Sawan Monday fast, 17 August 2026
Fourth Sawan Monday fast, 24 August 2026
Crowds Expected At Shiva Temples During Kanwar Yatra
Major Shiva temples across the country see a steady stream of devotees throughout Sawan. Kanwariyas carry Ganga water over distances spanning several kilometres on foot before offering it at Shiva temples near their homes. The tradition is seen as more than an act of religious observance, it reflects devotion, discipline and resolve. Together, the fasting, worship and Kanwar Yatra of Sawan bring devotees closer to Lord Shiva through the course of the month.
