Sawan/Shravana 2023: Amazing Coincidence After 19 Years – Sawan for 2 Months

Significance of Sawan, Fasting, and Celebrations

Sawan/Shravana is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar and this year the Sawan of 2023 is very special. An amazing coincidence after 19 years is happening for Swan/Shravana of 2023. This time Sawan is for 2 months. 

This month is already considered very much special and is a very auspicious time for spiritual practice and self-reflection. A time to celebrate with the much-awaited and needed monsoon Sawan of 2023 brings in the double dhamaka and is to last for two months. 

The Sawan/Shravana of 2023 will start on July 4 and end on August 31. It is a rare event as it is happening after 19 years. The last time Sawan lasted for two months was in the year 2004. 

Reason for Sawan/Shravana Lasting For 2 Months

There are majorly two reasons for sawan/shravana lasting for two months this year. One is seasonal and the other one is as per the Hindu calendar. The seasonal reason is that Monsoon which usually begins in June for the Indian sub-continent began earlier this year in May itself. 

The other reason why Sawan/shravana is falling in two months in 2023. There is an Adhik Maas or an extra month this year added to the Hindu calendar. Due to the differences in Earth’s revolution around the Sun and Moon’s revolution around the Earth, there results a lag in the calendar. Therefore, in order to bring the lunar calendar in sync with the solar calendar an extra month is added every three years. This year that extra month is the month of Sawan or Sharvana. 

The month of Sawan/shravana is auspicious in itself. So, Shravana occurring for two months this year is considered to be a very auspicious event. It is believed that those who observe the Sawan Somvar Vrat i.e. the fast observed on Mondays in the month of Shravan/sawan this year will be immensely blessed with very good fortune and prosperity. 

Religious Significance of Sawan/Shravana

The auspicious month of Sawan/Shravana is a very good time to observe and adopt spiritual practices and have some self-reflection. It is believed by the Hindus that the monsoon rains during the month of Sawan/Shravana cleanses the earth and everywhere there is greenery and beauty which makes it one of the best months for spiritual practice. Therefore, during the month of Shravana, many Hindus undertake different types of spiritual practices like fasting, meditation, chanting, etc. 

The rains occurring during the month of Sawan are considered the reflection of Lord Shiva’s grace and blessings. The rains cleanse the earth and rejuvenate the earth, thus, bringing new life to everything around. This is considered the direct resemblance of Shiva’s blessings which cleanses the soul aspiring and brings new hope. 

Sawan/Shravana Somvar Vrat

The Sawan/shravana som var vrat is very famously observed by lakhs of Hindus during the month of Sawan/Shravan. They observe the vrat or the fasting as gratitude and dedication to Lord Shiva and it is popularly and widely believed that those who observe this fast receive the blessings of Lord Shiva in the form of good fortune.

There are many different ways in which Sawan/Shravana Somvar Vrat is observed. Some people choose to fast for the entire day i.e. 24 hours while some choose to fast from sunrise to sunset. Some of the devotees break their fast with milk and fruits, while other devotees choose to fast completely without consuming anything. 

In whatever manner is the fast observed, the most important thing is to observe it with complete faith and do your best and offer your prayers to Lord Shiva with a sincere heart. 

Conclusion

Shravana/Sawan is a beautiful month of devotion, full of celebrations of festivals like Raksha Bandhan, and many more. It is also one of the best times for Hindus to come together and worship Lord Shiva, the one who gives Moksha (liberation). The monsoon rains are considered to be the symbol of the grace and blessings of Lord Shiva. The rains cleanse the earth and bring new life like the blessings cleanse the soul and bring hope. 

Sawan/Shravana is one of the best times for spiritual practice and self-reflection, and also one of the best times for celebration and enjoyment. 

If you are looking for a time to connect with your spirituality and to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, then Sawan is the perfect time to do so. There are many different ways to observe Sawan, so find a way that works for you and make the most of this auspicious month.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many Mondays are there in Shravan month 2023?

Ans: The Sawan/Shravana month of 2023 is very special and auspicious. This is because this time Sawan/Shravan will last for 2 months. Normally, there are 4 Mondays in the month of Shravana. But in this auspicious year, there are going to 8 Mondays for all the devotees to show their devotion to Lord Shiva. 

2. When does Shravana end?

Ans: Sawan/Shravana of 2023 is about to last for two months and is considered to be very auspicious. It will begin on July 4 2023 and end on August 31 2023. 

3. What are 16 Monday fast benefits?

Ans: The 16 Monday fast or the Sola Somvar as popularly known is performed or observed in order to get the blessings of Lord Shiva and in the form of blessings get a wishful life partner. 

4. Do we cut hair in Sawan?

Ans: Generally, the people who observe a fast do not necessarily cut their hair. One of the reasons is that in olden times any metal object used to get oxidized and rusted and thus shaving instruments also used to get rusted during the month of Shravana/Sawan. 

5. What to eat during Shravan Somvar Vrat?

Ans: Generally the most common consumable for devotees who are performing the Shravana/Sawan Somvar Vrat are the fruits. People who are not performing the fast generally avoid eating/consuming nonvegetarian food during the month of Shravana/Sawan. Additionally, some foods like brinjal, masur dal, mustard oil, and sesame oil are also avoided due to possible health issues. 

6. Can we marry in Savan?

Ans: Yes, one can marry in the month of Sawan/Shravana. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the month of Shravana/Sawan. And with his and Goddess Parvati’s blessings, any obstacles in the path of getting married are removed. 

7. Why Sawan/Shravana is 2 months in 2023?

Ans: Every three years one month extra is added to the Hindu calendar to bring the Hindu calendar in sync with the solar calendar because of the differences in the revolution timings of the moon around the Earth and of the earth around the Sun. Therefore, to bring the Hindu calendar in sync with the solar calendar there are two Sawan/Shravana months in 2023. 

 

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