The month of Shrawan or Saaun is the fourth month in the official Nepali calendar, Bikram Sambat. Considered a holy month, it falls between the second half of July and first half of August in the Western calendar. This auspicious month is observed by devout Hindus, in Nepal and India. The first day of the month is called Shrawan Sankranti, and the Mondays (Sombar in Nepali) in Shrawan are dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.
The month of Shrawan in Nepal is often associated with the color green. Shrawan continues to see regular showers that begin the earlier month. As a result, the farmlands across the country are covered in shades of green—usually paddy crops; the hills are emerald green and Nepali women are seen donning green outfits, usually kurta and sari. Perhaps the most ubiquitous green sightings are the green glass bangles on their wrists and thin green necklaces around their necks. Henna tattoos on hands is another cultural element that shines during Shrawan. It is not clear why women wear green during this month. It could be a homage to the abundant greenery that is on display in nature during this month.
On a religious aspect, Shrawan has its connection to the worshiping of Lord Shiva, the protector and destroyer of all creations in Hindu religion. It is believed that fasting and worshiping Lord Shiva during the Mondays of Shrawan will please the deity and bless women with a loving partner as good as Lord Shiva himself. The worshiping is complemented with holy sermons, devotional prayers, songs and dancing throughout the month.
All Tuesdays (Mangalbar in Nepali) in Shrawan are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort. Fasting on Tuesdays during the month is known as Mangal Gauri Vrat and is devoted to Goddess Parvati. All fastings involve abstaining from food and even water. While most fasting during this month is observed by women, either wishing for their husbands’ longevity or wishing for ideal partners, it isn’t limited to women. All devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasting during the holy and auspicious Mondays of Shrawan for various reasons. Haritalika Teej is another auspicious day during the month of Shrawan.
Fasting: During Shrawan, fasting is a central practice, especially for Hindu women. They fast on Mondays and pray to Lord Shiva at major temples like Pashupatinath and Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. Married women perform these rituals for their husbands’ well-being, while single women seek ideal partners. Some devotees abstain from food and water until evening prayers, and many avoid alcohol and meat for the entire month. This act of devotion extends beyond women, encompassing a wider community of believers seeking spiritual growth and blessings during this holy period.
Visual spectacle: Women don vibrant red or green attire, such as saris and kurta, complemented by colorful bangles usually in green. Young girls also participate, wearing these bangles and praying for blessed partnerships in their future. The visual spectacle of Shrawan is heightened by the women’s adorned hands, featuring an array of colorful bangles and intricate henna (mehndi) designs. Mehndi holds special significance during this month, with both the bangles and henna symbolizing love and affection towards loved ones.
Temple visits: Since it is the month devoted to Lord Shiva, temples dedicated to the deity are thronged by devotees. Major Shiva temples such as the UNESCO World Heritage site, Pashupatinath, Doleshwor Mahadev, the Shiva temple in Makhan, Hanuman Dhoka and others around the country sees a crowd of Hindu devotees queuing up to offer their prayers. Devotees offer water, milk and honey to bathe Shiva lingams. Bel patra or Aegle marmelos, a leaf considered sacred, is also offered on the linga which is believed to please the Lord.
Exchange of gifts: Women receive humble gifts as a token of love from relatives and friends during Shrawan. Usually the gifts include bangles, tika and pote—symbols of saubhagya or good luck. These gifts represent wishes of blessed married life.
During Shrawan, the Sun enters Leo, amplifying spiritual energies, while Jupiter is often exalted, enhancing spiritual significance. This month is strongly associated with Lord Shiva, who is linked to the Moon in Hindu astrology. The Moon is believed to be at its strongest during Shrawan, heightening emotions and intuition. This makes it an ideal time for spiritual practices and self-reflection. The crescent moon on Lord Shiva’s head symbolizes this connection, representing the cyclical nature of time and spiritual growth. These astrological and mythological aspects contribute to Shrawan’s revered status in Hindu tradition, making it a powerful month for devotional practices especially towards Shiva and personal development.
During Shrawan, many Hindus observe fasts and perform rituals like Rudra Abhishek and Homa, believing these practices purify the mind and body, offer peace, fulfill desires, and enlighten the soul. Hindu women observe fasting on Shrawan Mondays with the belief that it will help them find a desired partner. For others, fasting on Mondays of this month is believed to remove life obstacles and difficulties. Besides, fasting is believed to improve physical and mental health, increase willpower, and sharpen memory. Many devotees engage in these rituals to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and favor.
Those who don’t observe full fasting, abstain from eating meat and alcohol. Since it is monsoon, waterborne diseases spread fast, hence eating fresh, light and vegetarian food also ensures good health.
The holy month of Shrawan is shrouded with myths and legends. It is believed that the great Samundra Manthan took place during this month. During this event, the asuras (demons) and devatas (gods) churned the seas to produce amrit (elixir). However, the churning also produced a deadly poison that threatened to destroy the world. It was Lord Shiva who drank the poison and held it in his throat, turning it blue and giving him the name, Neelkanth.
Another significant legend involves Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. According to Shivpurana, a Hindu scripture, Goddess Parvati too observed fasting on the Mondays of Shrawan and performed severe penance wishing for Lord Shiva to be her husband. Pleased with her devotion, it was during the same month that Lord Shiva blessed her and fulfilled her wish to marry him.
One of the biggest religious festival during the month of Shrawan is Haritalika Teej. The festival falls on the third day after the new moon in the Shrawan month. It is a significant tradition observed by both married and unmarried Hindu women wherein a 24-hour fast is observed, abstaining from food and water, demonstrating devotion and spiritual discipline.
On this day, women visit temples to worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. Adorned in vibrant clothes of red and green, many women observe an all-night vigil during their fast, gathering to sing folk songs and dance, creating a joyous communal atmosphere.
The main event of Teej is preceded and followed by a day of other rituals and activities. The day prior to Teej, women get together with their friends and relatives to observe Darr—a tradition of inviting married women to their maternal homes for a delicious feast. The day after Teej, called Rishi Panchami, denotes the end of fasting. Women honor seven saints or sages, offer prayers to the gods, and bathe in crimson mud that is located beneath the revered Datiwan tree and its leaves. After this act of purification, they conclude the fast with a feast at the end of the day featuring both sweet and savory dishes such as kheer, fruits, sel-roti, thekua and more.
The observance of Shrawan Sombar has evolved over time, reflecting both positive changes and concerning trends in modern society.
One notable improvement is the relaxation of strict fasting rules. Traditionally, women abstained from both food and water, which could pose health risks. Today, a more lenient approach encourages hydration and allows for the consumption of fruits, prioritizing the well-being of practitioners while maintaining the spiritual essence of the fast.
However, the influence of consumerism and materialism has introduced some problematic elements to the celebration. The emphasis on wearing new clothes, exchanging expensive gifts, and hosting lavish parties throughout the month in the name of Darr has shifted focus away from the spiritual core of the observance.
While social gatherings are an integral part of many cultural celebrations, the incorporation of dance parties and alcoholic beverages into this traditionally pious ritual has sparked controversy. Critics argue that these additions dilute the spiritual significance of Shrawan and contradict its fundamental principles.
Shrawan, a month of spiritual devotion and cultural celebration in Nepal, remains a powerful force for personal reflection and growth while upholding its religious aspects.
Varnabas Museum Hotel, celebrating Nepal’s diverse cultural tapestry, offers guests a unique immersion into the spirit of Shrawan. From the incorporation of verdant hues of this month to curated menu showcasing traditional Shrawan delicacies in a refined setting, experience Nepali hospitality and deep-rooted traditions of this month at Varnabas. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Shrawan through the lens of Nepali heritage and modern luxury. Book your stay at Varnabas Museum Hotel and immerse yourself in the color, flavor, and spirit of this extraordinary month.