Shravan 2026: Dates, Rituals & Complete Guide for Devotees

Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and for most devotees of Lord Shiva, it is the most important month of the year. Every fast, every prayer, and every ritual performed during this period is believed to carry far greater spiritual weight than at any other time. If you are planning to observe Shravan this year, whether for the first time or as a long-standing family practice, this guide covers everything you need.

When is Shravan 2026?

In North India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi, Shravan 2026 begins on July 30 and ends on August 28 (Shravan Purnima/Raksha Bandhan). These states follow the Purnimanta lunar calendar.

In Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Goa, Shravan 2026 begins on August 13 and ends on September 11. These regions follow the Amavasyant calendar, which runs approximately 15 days behind the North Indian calendar.

Why Shravan and Not Any Other Month?

The reason traces to the Samudra Manthan. When gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean, a deadly poison called Halahal emerged first. No deity could contain it. Lord Shiva consumed it entirely to protect creation, holding it in his throat, which turned blue, giving him the name Neelkanth. This act of sacrifice occurred during Shravan. Devotees have offered water and milk to Shiva every year, cooling and honouring him.

Shravan falls during the peak monsoon. According to Ayurveda, digestive fire (Jatharagni) is at its weakest during this season, and Vata dosha is aggravated. Fasting during Shravan is a practical way to reduce the load on a digestive system that is already compromised by the weather. Many foods traditionally avoided during Shravan, including leafy vegetables and meat, carry a higher risk of contamination during the monsoon.

The 4 Shravan Somvars in 2026

Every Monday in Shravan, known as Shravan Somvar, is considered especially sacred for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees fast, offer Jalabhishek (water and milk poured over the Shivling), and perform or attend Rudrabhishek.

In 2026, the four Shravan Somvar dates for North India are:

• 1st Somvar: August 3
• 2nd Somvar: August 10
• 3rd Somvar: August 17
• 4th Somvar: August 24

For South and West India, the Somvar dates fall on August 17, 24, 31, and September 7.

Unmarried women often begin the Solah Somvar Vrat (16 Mondays) on the first Shravan Somvar and pray for a suitable life partner. Married women observe the fast for the health and longevity of their husbands.

Mangala Gauri Vrat: Every Tuesday in Shravan

The Tuesdays of Shravan hold specific importance for women. Mangala Gauri Vrat is observed on all four Tuesdays of the month. Married women perform this puja for the well-being of their families and for marital happiness. In North India in 2026, the Mangala Gauri Vrat dates fall on August 4, 11, 18, and 25. If you are observing this vrat and want it performed with full Vidhi at home, a pandit ensures nothing is missed.

Key Festivals During Shravan 2026

Shravan is not just about Shiva puja. Several major festivals fall within this month:

Hariyali Teej falls on Shravan Shukla Tritiya (the third day of the bright fortnight). In 2026, this falls around August 16. It is primarily observed by women, who fast and pray for marital happiness, and is associated with the reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.

Nag Panchami falls on Shravan Shukla Panchami, around August 18 in North India. Serpent deities are worshipped on this day, and the ritual holds particular importance in Maharashtra and several other states.

Raksha Bandhan falls on Shravan Purnima, the full moon day that closes the month in North India. In 2026, this is August 28. It is one of the most widely observed festivals in the country.

Always confirm these dates against your local panchang, as day-specific timings can shift slightly by city.

What Are the Main Rituals Performed in Shravan?

The most significant ritual of Shravan is Rudrabhishek (bathing of the Shivling with water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and Ganga jal), accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras including Om Namah Shivaya and the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. Performed by a pandit, a proper Rudrabhishek takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the type (Laghu or Maha Rudrabhishek).

Other common practices during Shravan include offering Bel Patra (wood apple leaves) to the Shivling, Jalabhishek at a Shiva temple on each Somvar, fasting on Mondays with fruits, milk, sabudana, and sendha namak, and daily chanting of Shiva mantras.

Foods typically avoided during Shravan include non-vegetarian items, onion, garlic, and regular salt. On fast days, only sattvic food is consumed.

Observing Shravan at Home in 2026

Not everyone can visit a temple every Monday for a month. Many families choose to have a pandit perform the Rudrabhishek or Shravan Somvar Puja at home instead. This requires the correct samagri, a clean space, and a pandit who knows the Vidhi.

BookMyPooja connects you with verified, experienced pandits who perform Rudrabhishek, Mangala Gauri Vrat puja, and other Shravan rituals at your home across major cities in India. You can book in advance for any of the four Shravan Somvars or for individual festivals like Nag Panchami and Hariyali Teej.