The Shravan Somvar vrat is the Monday fast observed through the sacred month of Shravan maas in honour of Lord Shiva, kept for good health, marital happiness, and the fulfilment of long-held wishes. In 2026 the Shravan Somvars fall on 3, 10, 17, and 24 August in North India, and on 17, 24, 31 August and 7 September in South India, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. This guide explains the Shravan Somvar vrat katha, the vidhi for observing it, the fasting rules, and who traditionally keeps this vrat.

Shravan Somvar Vrat Dates 2026

North India (Purnimanta): 3, 10, 17 and 24 August 2026
South India, Maharashtra, Gujarat (Amanta): 17, 24, 31 August and 7 September 2026

The dates differ because the two regions reckon the start of the month differently, not because the observance itself differs. In 2026, 17 August falls within both windows and is also Nag Panchami, making it an especially significant Monday.

The Shravan Somvar Vrat Katha

The katha behind the month traces back to the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean. When the devas and asuras churned the ocean of milk, the deadly poison Halahala emerged before the nectar of immortality, and it threatened to destroy all creation. Lord Shiva drank the poison to protect the worlds, holding it in his throat, which turned blue. From this he is known as Neelakantha, the blue-throated one.

It is held that the devas offered water from the sacred rivers to cool the effect of the poison, and this is why the abhisheka of the Shiva Lingam with water and milk holds such importance in Shravan. Every Monday of the month, devotees repeat that offering of cooling and gratitude.

A second strand of the katha connects the month to Goddess Parvati, who is said to have undertaken severe penance through Shravan to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. This is why, on Somvar vrat, married women pray for husband long life and well-being and unmarried women keep praying for a good husband.

How to Do the Shravan Somvar Vrat

Step 1: Take the sankalpa

On the morning of the first Somvar, bathe early, wear clean clothes, and take a sankalpa before Lord Shiva stating your intention and the number of Mondays you will observe. Many keep all the Mondays of Shravan, while some undertake the Solah Somvar vrat of sixteen consecutive Mondays beginning from the first Shravan Somvar.

Step 2: Perform the abhisheka

Offer abhisheka to the Shiva Lingam with water, followed by milk, and water again. Bilva leaves are the most beloved offering to Shiva and should be offered in odd numbers where possible, along with white flowers, bhang or dhatura where customary, sandalwood paste, and akshata.

Step 3: Chant and worship

Chant Om Namah Shivaya, the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, or the Shiva Panchakshari through the day as your practice allows. Reading the Shravan Somvar vrat katha, lighting a ghee lamp, and offering aarti complete the worship.

Step 4: Observe the fast

The fast is typically kept from sunrise until the evening puja. Devotees take fruits, milk, and sattvic vrat foods such as sabudana and kuttu preparations, using rock salt in place of table salt. Grains, onion, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are avoided. Many break the fast after the evening worship with a single sattvic meal.

Step 5: Complete with daana

Offering food, clothing, or contribution to those in need on the day of the vrat is traditionally considered to complete the observance.

Who Keeps the Shravan Somvar Vrat

Unmarried women, praying for a suitable husband, following the example of Parvati’s penance
Married women, praying for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands
Devotees seeking relief from health difficulties, invoking Shiva as Mrityunjaya
Those observing Shravan generally, including many who do not fast at any other time of the year

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Shravan Somvar dates in 2026?

In North India the Shravan Somvars fall on 3, 10, 17, and 24 August 2026. In South India, Maharashtra, and Gujarat they fall on 17, 24, 31 August and 7 September 2026, because the two regions follow different calendar reckonings.

What is the Shravan Somvar vrat katha?

The katha recalls the Samudra Manthan, when Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison to save creation and became Neelakantha. Water and milk were offered to cool its effect, which is why abhisheka is central to Shravan. A second strand recalls Parvati’s penance through Shravan to attain Shiva as her husband.

How do you do the Shravan Somvar vrat?

Take a sankalpa on the first Monday, bathe early, perform abhisheka of the Shiva Lingam with water and milk, offer bilva leaves and white flowers, chant Om Namah Shivaya or the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, read the vrat katha, keep a sattvic fast through the day, and break it after the evening puja.

What can be eaten during the Shravan Somvar fast?

Fruits, milk, curd, and sattvic vrat foods such as sabudana khichdi and dishes made from kuttu or singhara flour, prepared with rock salt. Grains, onion, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are avoided.

What is the Solah Somvar vrat?

The Solah Somvar vrat is a fast of sixteen consecutive Mondays, usually begun on the first Shravan Somvar. Unmarried women traditionally keep it praying for a good husband, and married women for their husband’s long life.