Sawan 2023

Sawan

the blissful monsoon season, holds a special place in the hearts of people across the Indian subcontinent. It brings relief from the scorching summer heat, transforming the landscape into a lush green paradise. As we approach Sawan 2023, let us delve into the significance and festivities associated with this enchanting time of the year. In 2023, Sawan will be of two months, from July 4 to August 31. This is because the Hindu calendar follows a lunar cycle, and every three years, an extra month is added to the calendar to bring it back in sync with the solar cycle. This extra month is called Adhik Maas, or Purushottama Maas.

The Magic of Sawan: Sawan, also known as Shravana, is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar. Falling between July and August, it marks the arrival of the monsoon rains. The gentle patter of raindrops evokes a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation, rejuvenating both nature and the human spirit.

Sawan is a time for many important festivals and observances, including:

• Sawan Shivratri: This is the most important festival of Sawan, and is celebrated on the 14th day of the month. On this day, devotees fast and pray to Lord Shiva for his blessings.

• Ganga Dussehra: This festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the month, and marks the descent of the Ganges River from heaven to earth. Devotees bathe in the Ganges River on this day to cleanse their sins.

• Krishna Janmashtami: This festival is celebrated on the 18th day of the month, and marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees celebrate this festival by fasting, praying, and singing bhajans (hymns) in praise of Lord Krishna.

Religious Observances: 

Sawan holds immense religious significance for Hindus. Devotees embark on a month-long pilgrimage to holy sites, particularly to Lord Shiva temples. The auspicious Mondays, known as "Shravan Somvar," witness a surge of devotees who observe fasts and offer prayers to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. The air resonates with devotional chants, and the scent of incense permeates the temples.

The Festive Vibes: 

Sawan also brings forth a plethora of joyous festivals. One of the most widely celebrated is Raksha Bandhan, where sisters tie colorful threads called "rakhis" on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their love and protection. The festival strengthens sibling bonds and is accompanied by heartfelt exchanges of gifts and delectable sweets.

Another significant celebration during Sawan is Teej, primarily observed by married women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Women dress in vibrant traditional attire, adorn themselves with intricate henna designs, and participate in lively dance performances and cultural events.

Nature's Delights: 

Sawan presents an enchanting sight as nature awakens with vitality. The hills and plains are adorned with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and gushing waterfalls. The earth emanates a petrichor fragrance that lures people to explore the great outdoors. It is a time to embrace the serenity of nature and revel in its beauty.

Culinary Delights: 

Sawan is also a culinary delight, with traditional delicacies taking center stage. Cooling beverages like "thandai," made from a blend of aromatic spices and milk, provide respite from the humidity. Fresh seasonal fruits, such as mangoes and lychees, are relished, while traditional sweets like "ghevar" and "malpua" add a touch of sweetness to the festivities.

Common practices that Hindus observe during Sawan:

• Fasting: Many Hindus fast on Mondays (Sawan Somwar) during Sawan. This is done to please Lord Shiva and to seek his blessings.
• Worship: Hindus offer prayers and perform puja (worship) to Lord Shiva during Sawan. They also visit Shiva temples and offer water, milk, and flowers to the Shivlingam (an icon of Lord Shiva).
• Chanting: Hindus chant mantras and bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva during Sawan. This is done to connect with the Lord and to seek his blessings.
• Donations: Hindus donate to charities and religious organizations during Sawan. This is done to accumulate good karma and to please Lord Shiva.
• Meditation: Hindus meditate on Lord Shiva during Sawan. This is done to connect with the Lord and to gain spiritual enlightenment.

There are many benefits that people get by observing Sawan. Some of these benefits include:

• Attaining Moksha: Sawan is considered to be a very auspicious month for spiritual activities. By observing fasts and doing Puja during this month, people can attain Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

• Relieving Stress: The monsoon season is associated with peace and tranquility. The cool and refreshing rains are said to wash away all the worries and stress of the mind. By spending time in nature during Sawan, people can relax and rejuvenate their mind and body.

• Improving Health: The monsoon season is also a good time to improve your health. The cool and humid weather is conducive for physical activity. By exercising regularly during Sawan, you can improve your cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost your immune system.

• Attracting Good Luck: Sawan is also considered to be a lucky month. By observing fasts and doing Puja during this month, people can attract good luck and prosperity in their lives.

• Fertility: Sawan is considered to be a very auspicious month for couples who are trying to conceive. By observing fasts and doing Puja during this month, they can increase their chances of conceiving a child.

• Marriage:  Sawan is also considered to be a good month for getting married. It is believed that couples who get married during this month will have a happy and prosperous married life.

• Business: Sawan is also considered to be a good month for starting new businesses. It is believed that businesses that are started during this month will be successful.

• Education: Sawan is also considered to be a good month for starting new educational endeavors. It is believed that students who start their studies during this month will be successful in their education.

• Auspicious Events: Sawan is also a good month for performing other auspicious events, such as housewarming ceremonies, thread ceremonies, and naming ceremonies.

In addition to these benefits, Sawan is also a time for people to come together and celebrate their faith. There are many festivals and fairs held during this month, which provide an opportunity for people to socialize and connect with their community.

If you are looking for a way to connect with your spiritual side, improve your health, and attract good luck, then observing Sawan is a great way to do it. By following the traditions and rituals of this holy month, you can reap the many benefits that it has to offer.

Here are some of the popular rituals and traditions of Sawan:

• Fasting: One of the most important rituals of Sawan is fasting. Many people fast on Mondays during this month, and some people even fast for the entire month.

• Puja: Puja is another important ritual of Sawan. People offer prayers to Lord Shiva and other deities during this month.

• Donating to charity: Donating to charity is also considered to be a very auspicious act during Sawan. People donate money, food, and other items to those in need.

• Wearing Rudraksha: Rudraksha is a type of bead that is believed to have many spiritual benefits. People wear Rudraksha during Sawan to attract good luck and prosperity.

• Chanting Mantras: Chanting mantras is another popular ritual of Sawan. People chant mantras to Lord Shiva and other deities to seek their blessings.

Sawan is a special month for Hindus, and it is a time for people to come together and celebrate their faith. By following the traditions and rituals of this holy month, people can reap the many benefits that it has to offer.

Take benefit of Sawan month by following below tips:-

• Spend time in nature: The month of Sawan is a time of monsoon, and the rains can be a refreshing and cleansing experience. Spending time in nature during this time can help to connect with the elements and to feel the presence of Lord Shiva.

• Read spiritual texts: Reading spiritual texts can help to deepen one's understanding of Hinduism and of Lord Shiva. Some recommended texts include the Bhagavad Gita, the Shiv Mahapuran, and the Krishna Janmashtami.

• Listen to bhajans: Listening to bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva can help to create a devotional atmosphere and to connect with the Lord. There are many bhajans available online and in music stores.

• Perform aarti: Aarti is a ritual of light that is performed to honor deities. It can be performed at home or at a temple.

• Offer prayers: Prayer is a way to connect with Lord Shiva and to seek his blessings. There are many prayers available online and in prayer books.

• Give up bad habits: The month of Sawan is a time to focus on spiritual growth and to cleanse one's body and mind. Giving up bad habits such as smoking, drinking, and gambling can help to create a more positive and healthy lifestyle.

• Help others: Helping others is a way to connect with Lord Shiva and to make the world a better place. There are many ways to help others, such as volunteering, donating to charity, or simply being kind to others.