Shravana Masam or the month of Shravan in states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka which follow the Amavasyant calendar is from August 12, 2018 to September 9, 2018. Now begins the “favouritest” part of the year for me where festivals abound.

Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar and is probably its holiest. It is choc-a-bloc with festivals and auspicious occasions. It also ushers in the 4-month long festival season in India that stretches right up to Deepavali or Diwali (mid-November this year).

The intervening period is filled with all manner of festivals and holy days that give me an opportunity to indulge in all my favourite activities; perform and attend assorted poojas, dress up in lovely silk sarees, visit friends and relatives for haldi-kumkum, sing in temples on various auspicious days, attend a range of concerts, and last but not the least, enjoy a vast range of delicacies. 🙂

Read a scientific explanation of why we should fast in Shravan. Eating fish is also prohibited in Shravan, for one simple reason; fish spawn at this time of the year.

Important Festivals in Shravana Masam 2018 and Their Dates

Each region in India has its own set of festivals and here are some that we observe in Andhra Pradesh (which is the state my ancestors are from) and Maharashtra (the state where I grew up and live):

• Shravan Somvaram or Mondays in the month of Shravan are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many devotees fast on these days. It is said that unmarried girls who want to get married should observe the Shravan Somvar fasts.The dates for Shravan Somvaram Vratam 2018 are August 13, August 20, August 27, and September 3, 2018.

• Mangala Gowri Vratam is performed by married women (sumangali) on all Tuesdays in Shravan for the well-being of their husbands. Gowri (or Gauri) is also another name for Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.The dates for Mangala Gowri Vratham 2018 are August 14, August 21, August 28, and September 4, 2018.

• Shravan Shukravaram or Fridays in the Month of Shravan are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.The dates for Shravan Shukravaram Vratam 2018 are August 17, August 24, August 31, and September 7, 2018.For married women in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the most important Shravana Shukravaram is the one that falls on the Friday before the full moon (Shravana Pournami Purvasta Shukravarey). This is the day on which Varalakshmi Vratam is performed.The date for Varalakshmi Vratam 2018 is August 24, 2018.

• Nag Panchami is the day snakes are worshipped in many parts of the country.The date for Nag Panchami is August 15, 2018.

• Shravan Paurnami or Shravan Poornima has become popular all over India as Raskha Bandhan, a festival that is essentially from North India and one that celebrates the relationship between a brother and sister.In Maharashtra, it is celebrated by the Koli community or the fisherman community as Narali Poornima. They worship Lord Varuna, the lord of the seas to bless them with a bountiful catch and protect them on rough seas.In Tamil Nadu, this day is also celebrated as Avani Avittam.The date for Raksha Bandhan, Narali Poornima, Avani Avittam is August 26, 2018.

• Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, or Sri Krishna Janmashtami is the birth of Lord Krishna; He who gave the world the Bhagwat Gita and as a child was known to steal milk, curds, and butter from all households around him. In Maharashtra, Krishna’s antics as a child are enacted by youngsters (known locally as Govindas) who go around breaking pots of milk and curd tied high above the ground by forming human pyramids.The date for Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami is September 2, 2018.

Some Recipes for Popular Dishes for Shravana Masam Poojas

Here are a few recipes that you can make during this month.

Rice Recipes
Chintapandu Pulihora, Puliyodarai or Tamarind Rice	Kovil Pulihora or Puliyodarai (Tamarind Rice as made in temples)
Nimmakaya Pulihora, Elumichai Sadam or Lemon Rice	Kobbari Annam, Thengai Sadam, or Coconut Rice
Nuvvulu Annam, Ellu Sadam or Tilwale Chawal	Daddojanam, Thair Sadam, or Tempered Curd Rice
Sundal | Guggillu
Chickpea or Kondakadalai Sundal	Senagala Guggillu
Pattani Sundal or Pattani Guggillu	Verkadalai Sundal or Verusenaga Gugillu
Traditional Sweets
Bobbattu, Obbattu, Puran Poli, or Holige	Poornam Boorelu or Poornalu
Badam Payasam	Pesara Pappu Paravannam, Pasi Parippu Payasam, Moong Dal Kheer
Ksheerannam	Bellam Paravannam
Semiya Payasam | Vermicelli Kheer	Saggubiyyam Paramannam | Sabudana Kheer | Javvarisi Payasam
Pal Payasam	Rava Kesari
Sapata | Banana Sheera	Besan Laddu
Coconut Laddu	Minapa Sunni Undalu
Sojjappalu or Halwa Stuffed Puri	Badam Halwa