Sawane Sombar / Shrawan month

Shrawan month in the Hindu calendar is considered to be the auspicious month in the year. It is believed that if you worship Lord Shiva especially during this month of Shrawan, any wishes are fulfilled. Sawaane Sombar has its own significance in its place. There is a story of the Samudra Mathan attached with this Sawane Sombar. During this mathan, Lord Shiva drank the poison emanated to save the world from the destructive effect of the poison. As soon as he drank, Goddess Parvati held her neck in order to prevent gulping of that poison. This made his throat turned blue and since then, Lord Shiva is also known as "Neelkantha". Hence, this whole month is celebrated in the victory of good over evil too.

Hinduism followers wherever in the world celebrate this Srawan month with wholesome devotions and faith in Lord Shiva. Hindus especially women take fasting on Mondays of this Srawan month as Monday is the day of Lord Shiva. Along with these special Mondays, there are other auspicious days like Sawan Shivaratri, Hariyali Amavasya, Hariyali Teej, and Naag Panchami. Similarly, the Tuesdays of this month are exclusively dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva which is also called Mangal Gauri vrat. Sawane Sombar starts from the first Monday of Shrawan month and ends by the last Monday. But some continue their prayers and observe fast in order to keep Solah Sombar vrat i.e. Sixteen Mondays. It is said that Goddess Parvati observed this Solah Sombar vrat to get Lord Shiva as her husband.

Many devotees come to Nepal to celebrate Sawane Sombar of this Srawan month as here is one of the oldest temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Hindu followers visit here with the deep faith of fulfillment of their wishes. They go to Sundarijal situated in the outskirts of Kathmandu valley, take bath in the holy Bagmati river and then go to Pashupatinath temple to worship and offer their prayers. The devotees usually wear a saffron-colored dress and walk barefoot all the way until they offer water at Pashupatinath. There are other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Nepal. People who cannot reach Pashupatinath temple, they go to the nearby Shiva temples or Shivalayas and complete their Sawane Sombar.

During fasting, one must avoid negative energies or aura, think good and do good deeds. That is the reason why devotees sing prayers, hymn, and dance and meditate. These activities help them to stay away from negative thoughts and let yourself indulge in the pious environment. The divinity of the Sawane Sombar is incredible and makes you feel divine. Sawane Sombar has always been a special festival for Hindu followers especially ladies. The unmarried observe this Sawane Sombar vrat or Solah Sombar vrat or Mangal Gauri vrat in order to get a husband like Lord Shiva while the married keep fast for the long life of their husband. Even men also keep fast for the same purpose i.e. to get a life partner like Goddess Parvati or for lengthening the life of a wife. Milk, Water, Honey, Bilva leaves and white flowers are offered while worshipping. Fruits and a special food "Sabudana" are eaten to break their fast after evening prayer.