The month of Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a significant period in the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2023, Sawan will be an extended celebration that lasts for 59 days, from July 4th to August 31st. This rare occurrence happens every 19 years, with an additional month called adhik maas being added. It’s important to note that the Sawan dates may vary across different regions in India and the world due to variations in calendar traditions.
During Sawan, devotees engage in various fasts and festivals, demonstrating their devotion and enthusiasm. Here is a list of some of the festivals and fasts that will take place during Sawan 2023:
1. Kamika Ekadashi: On July 13th, devotees observe the fast of Kamika Ekadashi, seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. This fast involves bathing early in the morning and offering sacred items such as Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits, milk, and sesame seeds to the deity. Observing this fast is believed to bring health and wealth.
2. Sawan Somvar Fasts: From July 10th to August 28th, devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasts on Mondays throughout the month of Shravan. It is believed that these fasts fulfill the desires of the devotees. Married women keep the fasts for the well-being of their families, while unmarried women observe them to find a suitable life partner.
3. Mangala Gauri Fasts: Devotees of Maa Gauri observe fasts every Tuesday during Sawan, from July 4th to August 29th. These fasts are undertaken to ensure a happy marital life, prosperity, and the blessing of having a child.
4. Hariyali Teej: Celebrated on August 19th, Hariyali Teej falls on the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan. This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and it signifies lush greenery and pleasant weather during this time.
5. Nag Panchami: On August 21st, people worship serpent Gods on Nag Panchami. Women offer milk to snakes and pray for the well-being of their brothers and family members. The festival usually falls two days after Hariyali Teej.
6. Dashama Vrata: Celebrated with great enthusiasm in Gujarat, Dashama Vrata is a ten-day fasting period that begins on August 17th and ends on August 26th. Devotees fast to honor goddess Dashama and seek her blessings.
7. Shravana Putrada Ekadashi: On August 27th, devotees observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, one of the 24 Ekadashi vrats dedicated to seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. This vrat is believed to help attain moksha after death.
8. Varalakshmi Vrat: Observed on August 25th during Shravan’s Shukla Paksha, Varalakshmi Vratam is dedicated to goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. This vrat is performed to seek the blessings of the goddess for health, wealth, wisdom, and prosperity.
9. Raksha Bandhan: Celebrated on August 30th, Raksha Bandhan is one of the major Hindu festivals. Sisters tie rakhi or raksha sutra around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing their love and protection for each other. Brothers, in turn, promise to safeguard their sisters from any trouble.
10. Gayatri Jayanti: Gayatri Jayanti is observed on May 31st as the birth anniversary of Goddess Gayatri, the Goddess of Veda. Devotees worship the goddess to seek health, wealth, wisdom, and prosperity.
11. Kalki Jayanti: On August 22nd, Kalki Jayanti is celebrated, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Vishnu’s future avatar, Kalki. It is believed that Kalki will be the tenth and final incarnation of Lord Vishnu, appearing at the end of Kaliyug.
12. Shravana Purnima: Shravana Purnima, also known as Narali Purnima, falls on August 31st and is particularly celebrated in Maharashtra. On this day, Varun Dev, the God of Sea, is worshipped, and offerings of coconuts are made. Fishermen believe that worshiping Varun Dev will protect them from mishaps at sea.
It is advisable to consult local calendars or religious authorities to determine the exact dates and rituals for each festival and fast, as they may vary depending on different regional traditions and calendars. The observance of these festivals and fasts reflects the vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry of India, where people come together to celebrate and express their faith.
