Sawan 2024: The monsoon season has finally arrived, bringing respite from the scorching heat of the months-long summer. With the cool weather and fresh rains, there are many festivals to add even more zeal and enthusiasm to this season. The auspicious ‘Sawan month’ is about to begin soon. Also called the ‘Shravan month’, it is the fifth month according to the Hindu lunar calendar, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees offer prayers, eat satvik food and perform various rituals throughout the month, especially fasting on Mondays (Somvar). Traditionally, there are four to five ‘Sawan ka Somvar’ throughout the month, when devotees visit various Shiva temples across the country. According to drikpanchang.com, many people observe sixteen Mondays or ‘Solah Somvar’ fasts from the first Monday of the Sawan month. Tuesdays of this month are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, when devotees observe the ‘Mangal Gauri Vrat’.
Sawan 2024: When will the ‘month of Sawan’ start? When is the first ‘Sawan Somvar’ of 2024?
According to Drikpanchang.com, there is usually a difference of 15 days in the start time of Shravan month in different regions. The website states, “In the Purnimant calendar, which is followed in the North Indian states, Shravan month starts fifteen days before the Amant calendar.” This year, the ‘Sawan month’ in North India will begin on July 22 and end on August 19, 2024.
- First Sawan Monday fast – 22 July 2024
- Second Sawan Monday fast – 29 July 2024
- Third Sawan Monday fast – 5th August 2024
- Fourth Sawan Monday fast – 12 August 2024
- Fifth Sawan Monday fast – 19 August 2024
In many other states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the month will begin on August 5 and end on September 3, 2024.
- First Sawan Monday fast – 5th August 2024
- Second Sawan Monday fast – 12 August 2024
- Third Sawan Monday fast – 19 August 2024
- Fourth Sawan Monday fast – 26 August 2024
- Fifth Sawan Monday fast – 2 September 2024
(Source: www.drikpanchang.com)
Also read: Include these 7 foods in your diet while fasting in this holy month
Sawan 2024 Vrat Tips: 5 dietary tips to keep in mind while fasting:
1. Drink lots of water:
Hydration is key. Though you are not on a ‘nirjala vrat’ during this time, there are certain restrictions on what you should and should not eat. So, to compensate for this and keep your body functioning smoothly, include enough water, coconut water, lemonade and other such vrat-friendly hydrating drinks in your diet for the entire month.
2. Avoid oily food:
Many fasting-friendly foods like vada and chivda are often loaded with excessive amounts of oil. We agree that they taste delicious, but including them in your daily diet may not be a good idea for your digestion, metabolism and of course, weight. So, keep a track of what you are eating and know when and where to set limits.
3. Use healthier recipes:
Eating sattvic food doesn’t mean that you have to eat bland and tasteless dishes. In fact, if you look around, you will find a variety of recipes that are healthy and add ample taste and nutrients to your plate. Click here for some healthy vrat-friendly recipes to make at home.
4. Take a controlled diet:
Don’t make it a habit to overeat your meals. Eating once or twice a day doesn’t mean that you forget to control the portion size of your food. Eating more than usual at one time can lead to indigestion, bloating and other such stomach related problems.
5. Keep moving:
If you think that resting during fasting can help you stay fit, we fear you are mistaken. Instead, we suggest staying active and doing light exercise to keep your body functioning well.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Sawan 2024!
