When Sawan Starts in 2025: Dates, Significance, Kawar Yatra, Raksha Bandhan & Devghar Pilgrimage

The lunar month of Sawan (Shravan) ranks among the most revered periods in the Hindu calendar, set aside primarily for worship of Lord Shiva. Throughout India, followers observe disciplined fasts, congregate in local temples, and embark on vibrant yatras that fill streets with song and devotion. As the year 2025 draws nearer, pilgrims are keen to pin down the month’s beginning, recognize principal dates—Lord Shiva? Raksha Bandhan?—and map the route of the famed Kawan Yatra. In the following pages, WDC News offers a detailed guide to Sawan 2025, presenting its ritual timings, spiritual import, and highlights of the sacred trek to Baba Baidyanath Dham at Devghar.

When Does Sawan Start in 2025?

In 2025 the Shravan month, Sawan, begins on Friday, July 11, and wraps up on Friday, August 8, according to the North Indian calendar used in states like Uttar Pradesh. Bihar Jharkhand Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

South India follows a slightly different system, the Amavasyant calendar, so there Sawan 2025 kicks off on Sunday, July 27, and finishes on Sunday, August 25.

Summary of Key Sawan 2025 Dates (North India):

• Sawan Begins: Friday, July 11, 2025
• Sawan Ends: Friday, August 8, 2025
• First Sawan Somwar (Monday Fasting): July 14, 2025

Last Sawan Somwar: August 4, 2025

Significance of Sawan Month

Sawan is an important month for many Hindus. Almost the whole time is set aside for Lord Shiva, and every Monday in Sawan, called Sawan Somwar, is seen as extra special. People fast, chant , and bring leaves, milk, honey, and water to pour over the Shiva Linga.

Legend says that in this season Shiva danced the Tandava and then wed Goddess Parvati. Followers believe that keeping vows and taking part in rituals during Sawan brings health, calm, and overall good fortune.

Devghar Baidyanath Dham Yatra 2025

During Sawan, one of the biggest spiritual trips people go on is the Devghar Yatra, or Shrawani Mela. Every year, thousands of devotees set out to reach Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand.

About Baba Baidyanath Dham:

Baba Baidyanath Temple is proud to be counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It’s also listed as one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas in India. Each year, thousands of pilgrims set out barefoot from Sultanganj in Bihar to Deoghar, walking around 105 kilometers while gently balancing pots of holy Ganga Jal on their shoulders.

“Baidyanath Dham is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (Wikipedia).”

Kawar Yatra to Devghar:

Walking from Sultanganj to Deoghar is one of the longest and most faith-filled Kawar trips in India. Along the sweaty miles, the Kawarias shout ,Bol Bam, and then splash holy Ganga water on the Shiva Linga back at Baidyanath Dham.

Important Facts:

1. Kawar Yatra 2025—Starts about July 12, 2025, the day after the Sawan month kicks off.
2. Biggest Day of the Yatra: That normally lands around Sawan Shivratri, set for August 6, 2025.
3. End of Yatra: Around August 8, 2025.

Rituals and Practices During Sawan

Sawan Somwar Vrat

• People keep this fast each Monday in the month of Sawan.
• They go without solid food all day, eat simple satvik meals, and pour milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and water over Lord Shiva in an Abhishek ceremony.

Mangala Gauri Vrat

• People keep this fast each Monday in the month of Sawan.
• They go without solid food all day, eat simple satvik meals, and pour milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and water over Lord Shiva in an Abhishek ceremony.

Sawan Shivratri

• Observed on the sixth of August in the year 2025.
• Shiva Abhishekam is performed at midnight while devotees remain vigil and sing bhajans.

Raksha Bandhan 2025 Date and Significance

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Raksha Bandhan will be observed.

Rakhi Muhurat:

• Rakhi tying time (Shubh Muhurat): 10:45 AM – 7:12 PM

Raksha Bandhan is much more than a date on the calendar; it is the heartwarming custom that shows how close brothers and sisters can be. On this day, a sister ties a colorful thread-Rakhi-to her brother’s wrist, and he promises to look out for her. In return, he usually gives her a small gift or treat to show his gratitude.

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Even though Raksha Bandhan falls after the last day of the rainy Sawan season, the calm and cozy feeling that Sawan brings lingers right into the celebration. The sky might have cleared, yet the spirit of caring, sharing, and looking out for each other carries on from the rainy days into the bright festival.

Kawar Yatra Across India

Besides the well-known Deoghar trip, the Kawar Yatra is also celebrated big-time across much of North India.

Key Locations for Kawar Yatra:

1. Haridwar (Uttarakhand): Every year, thousands of kawarias fill the streets of Haridwar, drum strapped to their backs, scoop fresh Ganga water in bright pots, and then set off on long, cheerful walks back to their homes, where they pour it at local Shiva shrines.
2. Gaumukh & Gangotri: Many devoted kawarias see Gangotri Glacier, the spot where the Ganges begins, as the most holy place and set out for it first.
3. Varanasi & Allahabad (Prayagraj): Visitors fill jars with Ganga water and stroll to the nearest Shiva shrines.
4. Jharkhand & Bihar: Devghar is the main stop, yet many towns run their own smaller river walks.

Foods to Eat During Sawan

During the month of Sawan, numerous devotees observe rigid vegetarian, or sattvic, eating habits. Typical foods in such meals include

• Fruits & Dry Fruits
• Sabudana Khichdi
• Kuttu or Singhara Atta Poori
• Potato and Curd Curry
• Milk and Sweets (No onion, garlic)

Skip meat, avoid alcohol, and leave out meals made with onions or garlic.

For more on fasting tips during Sawan, read this guide

Sawan in Today’s World: A Mix of Faith and Fun

These days, Sawan fun isn’t limited to temples anymore. Big cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, and Deoghar fill with Kawaria shows, evening songs, grand processions, and small fairs where everyone joins in.

Scroll through any feed and you will see thousands of pics and clips of Kawarias, the rainy Monday rituals, and bright Raksha Bandhan scenes, turning the old month-long festival into something people all over the world can see.

Arrangements for Kawarias in 2025

Going by what usually happens each year and the latest news, people can look forward to:

• Extra trains and buses running straight to Deoghar and Haridwar.
• Government groups and charities are opening medical tents, food stalls, and makeshift beds.
• A strong police and volunteer team is on hand since so many visitors will be moving around.

List of Sawan Somwar 2025 (North India)

1. 1st Somwar: July 14, 2025
2. 2nd Somwar: July 21, 2025
3. 3rd Somwar: July 28, 2025

4th Somwar: August 4, 2025

Final Words from WDC News

Sawan 2025 isn’t just another month on the calendar; it feels more like a giant family reunion of faith, culture, and sheer devotion. Whether pilgrims are carrying water pots on the Kawar Yatra, lovers are tying Rakhis under a full moon, or the crowds are climbing to Devghar on Shravan Somvars and praying to Bhole Baba, the air everywhere buzzes with spirit.

At WDC News, we cheer on everyone joining in and remind you to travel slowly, stay hydrated, and keep your heart true. May Lord Shiva shower you all with joy, courage, and good health during this blessed season!

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