Shravan (Sawan) is the Hindu month most closely associated with Lord Shiva, and its Mondays - Shravan Somwar - are kept as a weekly observance of fasting and puja through the month. The lunar calendar names months differently across India - Sawan 2027 falls mid-June to mid-July by the North Indian (purnimanta) reckoning, and early July to early August by the South Indian (amanta) reckoning - so this page gives both.
Why Shravan Somwar is kept
Shravan is held to be the month Lord Shiva performed his Tandava, and Hindu tradition treats the whole month, and its Mondays especially, as a time when he is closer to his devotees. Observing the vrat is believed to bring spiritual renewal, help fulfil sincere wishes, offer protection from negative influences, and - since the fast and puja are often kept as a family - strengthen the bonds between those observing it together.
Shravan Somwar puja vidhi
- Fasting. Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset on each Monday of the month, some taking only milk and fruit. Fasting itself is treated as an act of devotion to Lord Shiva.
- Abhishekam. A holy bath is offered to the Shiva lingam or image with water, milk, honey and curd, accompanied by Shiva mantras.
- Offerings. Bilva leaves, flowers, fruits and sweets are offered, along with incense and a lit lamp to mark the dispelling of darkness.
- Chanting. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or "Om Namah Shivaya" is recited through the puja.
- Prayer. The observance closes with quiet prayer or meditation, seeking Shiva's guidance rather than treating the fast as an end in itself.
Sawan Somwar dates for 2027
North Indian households, following the purnimanta calendar, keep Shravan from 18 June to 17 July 2027.
| Name | Date |
| Shravan Begins (North) | June 18, 2027, Friday |
| First Shravan Somwar Vrat | June 21, 2027, Monday |
| Second Shravan Somwar Vrat | June 28, 2027, Monday |
| Third Shravan Somwar Vrat | July 5, 2027, Monday |
| Fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat | July 12, 2027, Monday |
| Shravan Ends (North) | July 17, 2027, Saturday |
South Indian households, following the amanta calendar, keep Shravan from 4 July to 1 August 2027.
| Name | Date |
| Shravan Begins (South) | July 4, 2027, Sunday |
| First Shravan Somwar Vrat | July 5, 2027, Monday |
| Second Shravan Somwar Vrat | July 12, 2027, Monday |
| Third Shravan Somwar Vrat | July 19, 2027, Monday |
| Fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat | July 26, 2027, Monday |
| Shravan Ends (South) | August 1, 2027, Sunday |
The two calendars overlap for two Mondays - 5 and 12 July 2027 - so most UAE households, whichever tradition they follow, are keeping at least one Somwar Vrat on the same date that month.
Shravan Somwar at home in the UAE
Whichever calendar your family follows, the puja itself does not need a temple. A small Shiva lingam or a Mahadev photo frame kept on the mandir shelf through the month means the four Mondays can each be observed with the same simple setup, rather than assembling everything fresh each week.
For Shravan Somwar
Shiva worship essentials, delivered across the UAE.
Conclusion
Shravan Somwar gives Shiva devotees a weekly rhythm through the month most closely tied to him - four Mondays of fasting, abhishekam and prayer, whichever regional calendar marks the start and end of Sawan for your family.
Q: Why do North and South Indian calendars give different Sawan dates?
A: North India generally follows the purnimanta system, where a lunar month runs from one full moon to the next. South India follows the amanta system, where it runs from one new moon to the next. Both describe the same moon cycle, just with a different start and end point, which shifts the Shravan Somwar dates by about two weeks between the two traditions.
Q: Which calendar should I follow in the UAE?
A: Whichever your family or community traditionally observes. Both are given above so you can find the Mondays that match your own practice.
Q: How many Shravan Somwar are there in 2027?
A: Four Mondays in each calendar - 21 and 28 June plus 5 and 12 July for North Indian households, and 5, 12, 19 and 26 July for South Indian households.
Q: Do I need to fast all day on Shravan Somwar?
A: Most devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, though some take only milk and fruit through the day rather than a full fast. Either is accepted.
Q: What is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?
A: A mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva as the conqueror of death, widely chanted during Shravan Somwar puja alongside "Om Namah Shivaya", for protection and wellbeing.
Q: Can I keep Shravan Somwar without a temple nearby?
A: Yes. A home puja with a Shiva image or lingam, water and milk for abhishekam, and a simple aarti covers the observance - a temple visit is not required.
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