New Delhi: The auspicious month of Shravan or Sawan is here and Lord Shiva bhakts are all gung-ho about soaking in the spirit of pure devotion. The pious month falls during July-August, as per Gregorian calendar and is considered to be extremely auspicious where devotees pray to Lord Shiva and his consort Mata Parvati.


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Today happens to be the first Monday of Shravan and it holds greater significance for the devotees who observe fast (vrat) during the entire month of Sawan. Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik took to Twitter and shared his sand art tribute to Lord Shiva. He wrote: “May #LordShiva help all of us reach the ultimate. Today is #FirstMondayOfShravan, My SandArt at Bhubaneswar airport with message Omm Namah Shivaya.”



According to Drikpanchang, the significant dates in the month of Shravan 2017 in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar are as follows:


28 July (Saturday) First Day of Shravan 2018


30 July (Monday) First Monday


06 August (Monday) Second Monday


13 August (Monday) Third Monday


20 August (Monday) Fourth Monday


26 August (Sunday) Last day of Shravana Month


According to Drikpanchang, the significant dates in the month of Shravan 2017 in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are as follows:


12 August (Sunday) First day of Shravan 2018


13 August (Monday) First Monday


20 August (Monday) Second Monday


27 August (Monday) Third Monday


03 September (Monday) Fourth Monday


09 September (Sunday) Last day of Shravana Month


During the month of Shravan or Sawan, several devotees set out on a yatra by foot, popularly known as 'Kanwar Yatra'. In the Kanwar Yatra, bhakts carrying sacred water in pitchers that are tied to a bamboo pole set out on a spiritual journey. The pole is carried by devotees who balance it on his shoulder without letting the pitchers on either side move from its position.


They fill the pitchers with holy water from different Shiva temples they come across while travelling. The devotees also sing and dance while on their spiritual journey.


Om Namah Shivai!