Sawan Somwar 2025: Rituals, Auspicious Timings, and Why This Festival Is Special for Farmers

The month of Sawan is considered highly auspicious and is devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts and perform special pujas, especially on Mondays during this month, known as "Sawan Somwar." In 2025, the holy month of Shravan will begin on 11 July and conclude on 9 August. The first Sawan Somwar fast will be observed on 14 July. Here's how to perform the rituals on the first Monday and the important timings for worship.

Rituals for the First Sawan Somwar:

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurat and take a bath. Wear clean clothes.
2. Purify the place of worship with Ganga Jal and create a sacred altar in the northeast corner.
3. Place an idol or Shivling on the altar and perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva using Ganga water and Panchamrit.
4. Light a ghee lamp and chant prayers in remembrance of Lord Shiva.
5. Offer Bel Patra, Bhang, Datura, red or white flower garlands, fruits, and sweets to Lord Shiva.
6. Chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times or recite the Panchakshari Mantra.
7. Wear white clothing, apply white sandalwood tilak, and if possible, donate white clothes, which is considered highly meritorious on this day.

Auspicious Timings for First Sawan Somwar 2025:

1. Brahma Muhurat: 4:16 AM to 5:04 AM
2. Morning Puja Muhurat: 8:27 AM to 10:06 AM
3. Abhijit Muhurat: 11:59 AM to 12:55 PM
4. Amrit Kaal: 11:21 PM on 14 July to 12:55 AM on 15 July

Why Sawan Is Special for Farmers:

Sawan is known as the festival of greenery and is closely linked to agriculture. For farmers, this month marks the beginning of an important phase in the cropping season. The rains rejuvenate the fields, and the sight of green crops is considered a sign of prosperity.

Temples become crowded from the very first day of Sawan, and in the evenings, Shivlings are adorned beautifully across temples. Traditionally, during this season, farmers clean their tools and implements like spades, sickles, hoes, and ploughs. After sowing the crops, they celebrate this festival with joy and devotion.

What to Eat During the Sawan Fast:

1. Fresh fruits such as banana, apple, papaya, pomegranate, and grapes.
2. Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, cashews, raisins, and makhana are highly beneficial.
3. Sabudana dishes like khichdi, vada, or thalipeeth can be consumed.
4. Use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.
5. Roasted makhanas or makhana kheer are good fasting options.
6. You may eat boiled or fried potatoes.
7. Sweet potatoes (shakarkand) can be eaten boiled or made into cutlets.
8. Beverages like lassi, buttermilk, and fruit-based fasting shakes are completely allowed.