Sawan Shivratri 2025: Date, timing, rituals, fast do's and dont's - all you need to know
Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 4:39 AM on July 23
Chaturdashi Tithi ends at 2:28 AM on July 24
Nishita Kaal Puja time is from 12:33 AM to 1:07 AM on July 24
Shivratri Parana (breaking the fast) can be done after 6:13 AM on July 24
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What is Sawan Shivratri?
Rituals of Sawan Shivratri 2025
Morning Bath and Sankalp
The day begins with a purifying bath. Devotees wear clean or white clothes and take a vow (sankalp) to fast and worship Shiva with sincerity.
Fasting
Devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day and break it only the next morning, after the puja. There are two common fasting methods:
Nirjala Vrat: No food or water is consumed
Phalahar Vrat: Only fruits, milk, and non-grain satvik items are taken
Second Bath and Evening Puja
Before performing the evening puja, devotees take a second bath. The Shivratri puja is performed during Nishita Kaal, offering prayers and conducting the Shiva Abhishekam.
Shiva Abhishekam and Offerings
The Shiva Linga is bathed with water, milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee. Devotees also offer bael leaves, dhatura, white flowers, fruits, and sandalwood paste. Chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' and reading verses from Shiva Purana are considered highly meritorious.
Night Vigil (Jagran)
Many devotees stay awake all night, singing bhajans, meditating, and remembering Shiva's divine attributes. The night is divided into four prahars, and worship during each prahar holds spiritual significance.
Breaking the Fast (Parana)
The fast should be broken after sunrise on July 24 and before the end of the Chaturdashi Tithi.
Begin the fast with a sankalp after your morning bath
If not observing a Nirjala fast, stay hydrated with milk, coconut water, or lemon water
Offer prayers and perform abhishekam during each prahar
Speak truthfully, maintain celibacy, and remain mentally focused
Visit a Shiva temple or perform home rituals with devotion
Avoid tamasic foods like onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian items
Do not consume grains, lentils, rice, or processed food
Refrain from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeinated drinks
Avoid negative thoughts, gossip, anger, or distractions
Milk, curd, buttermilk
Sabudana (tapioca), kuttu (buckwheat), and singhara (water chestnut) flour
Fruits like banana, apple, pomegranate
Coconut water, lemon water, herbal teas
Use only sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt
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The sacred month of Sawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva , is considered one of the most spiritually significant times of the Hindu calendar. Observed with immense devotion across India, Sawan is marked by fasting, prayers, and special pujas.In 2025, the month of Sawan began on July 11 and will end on August 9. Among its many observances, Sawan Shivratri holds a special place for Shiva devotees.This year, Sawan Shivratri will be observed on Wednesday, July 23. According to Drik Panchang:The Nishita Kaal, or the midnight period, is regarded as the most auspicious time for Shiva puja and meditation.Shivratri, meaning "the night of Shiva", is observed every month on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha. However, the Shivratri that falls during the month of Sawan is considered especially auspicious.It is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison that emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) to save the universe.This act symbolizes Lord Shiva's sacrifice, strength, and divine compassion.Devotees follow a set of traditional rituals to honor Lord Shiva on this sacred night:Sawan Shivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of the country, especially in states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar.Major Shiva temples such as Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Badrinath Dham witness large gatherings.Special pujas and Gangajal Abhishekams are conducted during this period.If observing a Phalahar vrat, the following foods are allowed:
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