First Sawan Somwar 2026: Date, Significance & Rituals
First Sawan Somwar will be observed on Monday, August 3, 2026, in North India. In Maharashtra, Gujarat, and South India, Shravan Month 2026 begins on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and ends on Friday, September 11, 2026. This sacred Monday marks the beginning of the Shravan Somwar vrat.
First Sawan Somwar 2026 Dates
North India (Purnimant Calendar)
- Shravan month begins on July 30, 2026 and ends on August 28, 2026
- First Sawan Somwar: Monday, August 3, 2026
- Tithi: Krishna Paksha Panchami
Maharashtra, Gujarat & South India (Amanta Calendar)
- Shravan month begins on August 13, 2026 and ends on September 11, 2026
- First Sawan Somwar: August 17, 2026
- Tithi: Shukla Paksha Panchami
Why Are There Two Dates for the First Sawan Somwar?
If you have noticed people celebrating the first Sawan Somwar on different dates, there's a simple reason: not every region follows the same lunar calendar. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, among other North Indian states go by the Purnimant calendar, where the lunar month ends on the Full Moon (Purnima). As per this calendar, Shravan 2026 begins on Thursday, July 30, 2026, and concludes on Friday, August 28, 2026, which places the first Sawan Somwar on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Meanwhile, states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and various other southern regions follow the Amanta calendar. As per this calendar, the lunar month ends on Amavasya (New Moon) and therefore Shravan Month 2026 begins on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and ends on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Not sure which calendar applies to your family? Your local panchang or family pandit can confirm this for you.
Why is the First Sawan Somwar So Special?
Beginnings hold a special place in Hindu tradition, whether it's a sacred month, a festival, or a vrat, and the first Sawan Somwar is no exception. It marks the start of the Shravan Somwar observance itself, which is what makes this sacred day special. Many devotees choose the first Monday of Shravan as the ideal day to begin their worship of Bhagwan Shiv and, if they wish, their Shravan Somwar vrat.
First Sawan Somwar Puja Vidhi
If you cannot visit a temple, you can perform the puja at home with a pure heart by following the steps mentioned below. Bhagwan Shiv, also known as “Bholenath,” values sincere devotion more than elaborate rituals.
Follow these steps:
- Begin the day early with a bath and by wearing clean clothes.
- Clean and prepare the puja area
- Take a pinch of rice and a coin in your right palm and set your sankalp, stating your name, your gotra, and your intention for this puja
- Pour clean water over the Shivling and chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or the “Mahamrityunjaya mantra”
- Pour a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar (panchamrit) over the Shivling, followed by fresh milk
- Rinse the Shivling with Ganga jal
- Light a diya and apply sandalwood paste
- Offer fresh flowers and place bilva leaves in sets of three
- Recite “Shiv Chalisa” or the “Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha”
- Perform Bhagwan Shiv aarti and pray for peace, prosperity, and happiness in life
First Sawan Somwar Vrat Rules
Devotees should avoid:
- Grains and pulses
- Onion and garlic
- Non-vegetarian food
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Regular salt (many use Sendha Namak instead)
Many people keep a strict fast, whereas some devotees consume only fruits, coconut water, milk, and simple sattvic food as part of the falahar vrat after completing the evening puja.
Note: Observe the fast according to your health.
FAQs
When is the first Sawan Somwar in 2026?
North India will observe it on Monday, 3 August 2026. If your family follows the Amanta calendar, as is common in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and South India, the date shifts to Monday, 17 August 2026.
What is the best time to worship on the first Sawan Somwar?
Early morning is considered the most auspicious time to perform Bhagwan Shiva puja and Jalabhishek, though plenty of devotees also do Abhishek later in the day, during Pradosh Kaal in the evening. Since the exact timings vary by location, it is best to refer to your local Panchang for the correct puja muhurat.
What colour should I wear on the first Sawan Somwar?
White tends to be the go-to choice, tied to ideas of purity and calm, though yellow works too since it's considered auspicious in its own right. At the end of the day, clean clothes and a sincere heart matter far more than the exact shade you pick.
Can anyone observe the first Sawan Somwar vrat?
There's no restriction here, anyone with faith can keep this vrat.