26 Jul The Holy Month of Shrawan
Shrawan is a holy month dedicated to spiritual practices and religious offerings to Lord Shiva, believers and followers of Hinduism respect this month to be special. All the main Hindu festival begins from Shrawan. As per English calendar, it begins during late July and ends in the third week of August. Shrawan marks the onset of the new moon and is beginning to Sun’s transition into Leo zodiac.
According to the legends mentioned in Hindu Vedas and Puranas, this month is specifically dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva for success, marriage and prosperity. On this auspicious occasion, women and men both present the tradition of “Shrawan Somvar Varta” which means an obligation of fasting on every Monday of the month. Most people also fast on Tuesdays which is known as “Mangalvar Gauri Varta”. Such traditions are highly practised every year. This holy month also contains various other occasions such as Raksha Bandhan, Naag Panchami, Krishna Janmashtami and Teej. All women put green, yellow and red bangles and henna as a symbol of respect and believe in Lord Shiva.
“I am a true believer of Shrawan month, I believe in Deity, his blessing and the values we have to our religion and traditions. I love wearing green bangles and draw creative henna designs in my palm. It symbolises my faith in Lord Shiva. Every Monday I keep fasting in the name of Lord Shiva for his unconditional blessing to me and my family.”- Kabita Roka
This is the month, in which Lord Shiva grants a boon to devotees, who repent for their mistakes and ask for success, evade negative energy, bad luck or any other forms of negativity. This is the period where one attracts the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The beliefs and traditions have surrounded the civilisations for ages and continue to reverse forever.
Compiled by- Ayeesha Joshi