Sawan 2026: Somwar Fasting Rules, Puja Vidhi, What to Offer Lord Shiva

New Delhi: The month of Sawan is considered very special for the devotion and worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees worship Bholenath throughout this month. In particular, Sawan Mondays hold great religious significance. It is believed that worshipping and fasting on this day with proper rituals bestows Lord Shiva's blessings and brings happiness and prosperity in life. This year, Sawan begins on July 30. 

What are the rules of Sawan Monday fast?

Special care should be taken regarding food during Sawan. Onions, garlic, and tamasic foods should be avoided on this day. Some families also abstain from yogurt, curry, eggplant, and certain green vegetables during Sawan. However, traditions may vary from region to region, so it's best to follow your family's beliefs.

On Mondays, you can consume fruit, milk, or roasted makhana in the morning. In the afternoon, you can eat sabudana khichdi, potato curry, or sama rice. In the evening, you can consume coconut water, dried fruits, or fruit chaat.

Some people sonsume food at night. In such cases, evening prayers and aarti should be performed before ending the fast. The fast should always be broken with light and sattvic food.

During the fast, one should devote as much time as possible to Lord Shiva, meditation, and chanting mantras. Chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" with a Rudraksha rosary is also considered auspicious. One should avoid anger, lying, speaking ill of others, or insulting others on this day.

What are the methods of worship?

The month of Sawan is considered the most sacred time for worshipping Lord Shiva.

• On Monday of Sawan, wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean clothes. 
• After this, calm your mind and meditate. 
• After cleaning the place of worship, offer water and Ganga water on the Shivalinga. 
• Along with this, offer Belpatra, Datura, white flowers. 
• Keep in mind that Tulsi leaves and Ketaki flowers are not offered on Shivling.