Ashadi Ekadashi heralding the start of Chaturmas and the “favouritest” part of the year for me where festivals abound.
Around the corner is Shravana Masam or the month of Shravan. In states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka that follow the Amavasyant calendar, this year the dates for Shravan are:
- Start Date: August 9, 2021
- End Date: September 7, 2021
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 Shravan or Shravana Masam 2021 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):
Festival | Date | Significance |
---|---|---|
Nag Panchami | August 13, 2021 | Nag Panchami is the day snakes are worshipped in many parts of the country. |
Shravan Somvar Shravana Somavaram Vratam |
August 9, 2021 August 16, 2021 August 23, 2021 August 30, 2021 September 6, 2021 |
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. |
Mangala Gowri Vratam | August 10, 2021 August 17, 2021 August 24, 2021 August 31, 2021 September 7, 2021 |
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. |
Shravan Shukravaram | August 13, 2021 August 20, 2021 August 27, 2021 September 3, 2021 |
Shravan Shukravaram Vratam is the puja performed on Fridays in the month of Shravan and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. |
Maha Varalakshmi Vratam | August 20, 2021 | 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 the Maha Varalakshmi Vratam is performed. |
Shravan Pournami, Shravan Poornima, Narali Purnima, Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi), Avani Avittam |
August 22, 2021 |
Shravana 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. |
Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, or Sri Krishna Janmashtami | August 30, 2021 | This festival celebrates 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. |
Such delicious dishes, definitely something to look forward to during the Shravan month. Awesome collection of recipes which can be prepared even when its not Shravan. Most Gujaratis either have one normal meal or for the whole month follow a no grain, no pulses, no onion, garlic diet.
July 25, 2020
August 1, 2020
August 8, 2020
August 15, 2020 these dates falling on saturdays but posted here as sravana sukravaras, please correct.
Thank you. I corrected them.
The most important varalakshmi vratham date has not been corrected
Awesome and Amazing
Thank you. I hope it helps you.