In the Hindu calendar, Sawan also known as Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar and is considered to be one of the holiest months of the year. Devotees throng temples in various parts of the country to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva.Notably, due to Mal Maas or Adhik Maas, the Sawan has been extended to two months, this year, instead of one. The auspicious month will begin on July 4 and conclude on August 31. Instead of four Sawan Somvaar or Sawan Mondays, there will be eight this time. As July 4 falls on Tuesday, the first Sawan fast will be observed on July 10 and the last will be on August 28.Sawan will last for 58 days, this year, from July 4 to August 31.According to the Hindu Calendar, an extra month is added every 3 years due to Suns transit from one zodiac to another. This is commonly known as Sankranti.Every Monday of Sawan is highly auspicious to fast and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Although there are different rules and beliefs that everyone follows, here are some dos and donts that you can keep in mind while observing fast this month.Devotees should bathe and clean their Puja rooms after sprinkling some holy water of Ganga. After that, they should gather the items for puja such as water, milk, sugar, ghee, curd, honey, janeu (sacred thread), sandalwood, flowers, bel leaves, clove, cardamom, sweets, etc, and chant Shiv mantras while offering these at Shivling.People who undertake fast can have the vrat meal in the evening.Now lets have a look at what one should avoid doing during the fasts. Devotees who keep the fast must abstain from eating garlic and onions. Consuming alcohol during the Sawan period is also considered sinful.Apart from this, it is also not advisable to consume non-vegetarian items including dairy fish and eggs during this period as they represent the death of living things.One should also avoid using turmeric and Tulsi leaves during Lord Shiva worship.
