Nation celebrates Sawan with fervour - In pics

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 festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 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.

During the month-long festival, several devotees set out on a yatra by foot, popularly known as 'Kanwar Yatra'. In the 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.

The devotees 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. They also observe fast (vrat) during the entire month of Sawan as part of rituals. Om Namah Shivai!

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