Shukla Paksha of Saavan month has started from 13th August and will end with Saavan Purnima on 28th August. This aspect is considered very important from religious point of view. During this period, major fasts and festivals like Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Putrada Ekadashi and Rakshabandhan will come. Apart from this, there will be many special dates for the worship of Lord Ganesha, Surya, Shiva-Parvati and Hanuman ji. Let us know the major fasts and festivals falling in Sawan Shukla Paksha and their worship methods.
Hariyali Teej on 15th August
Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on Saturday, 15th August, the third day of Sawan Shukla Paksha. This festival has special significance for married women. On this day, women worship Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati and pray for a happy married life and long life of their husband. In the puja, mehendi, bangles, bindi, vermillion and other wedding items are offered to Goddess Parvati. There is a tradition of offering water and Belpatra to Lord Shiva. Listening or reading the story of Teej on this day is also considered auspicious.
Durva Ganpati Chaturthi on 16th August
Durva Ganpati Chaturthi fast will be observed on Sunday, 16th August. To please Lord Ganesha, worship him as per the rituals on this day. Offering Durva, flowers, fruits and modak to Lord Ganesha is considered auspicious. Devotees observing fast can remember Lord Ganesha and chant mantras throughout the day. It is believed that this removes obstacles from life and brings success in work.
Nag Panchami and Singh Sankranti on 17th August
Singh Sankranti will also be celebrated along with Nag Panchami on Monday, 17th August. On this day, it is considered auspicious to start the worship by offering Arghya to the Sun God. After this worship Nagadevta and Lord Shiva. Offer water and belpatra on Shivalinga and offer turmeric, kumkum and flowers on the idol of Nagadevta. On Nag Panchami, instead of feeding milk to live snakes, it is considered appropriate to worship the idol or picture of the snake god.
Putrada Ekadashi on 23-24 August
Due to difference in dates, this year the fast of Putrada Ekadashi can be observed on 23rd and 24th August in different areas. Therefore, give priority to the local calendar and tradition for the date of the fast. Lord Vishnu is worshiped on this day. The fasting person can chant the mantras of Lord Vishnu while eating fruits as per his capacity. According to religious belief, the fast of Putrada Ekadashi is considered special for the fulfillment of wishes related to children.
Bhaum Pradosh fast on 25th August
Bhaum Pradosh fast will be observed on Tuesday, 25th August. It is considered auspicious to worship Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati on this day during Pradosh period. In the evening, meditate on Lord Shiva by lighting a lamp in the home temple and chanting the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay’. Since it is Tuesday, the worship of Hanuman ji will also have special significance. Devotees can offer vermilion and jasmine oil to Hanuman ji.
Rakshabandhan and Sawan Purnima on 28th August
The festival of Rakshabandhan will be celebrated with Sawan Purnima on Friday, 28th August. On this day, a sister ties Raksha Sutra on her brother’s wrist and wishes for his happiness, health and bright future. It is considered auspicious to worship God and the presiding deity before tying Rakhi. Brothers and sisters can pray together for family happiness, prosperity and mutual love. Since it is Saavan Purnima, religious worship and charity will also have special significance on this day.