Shravana Masam or the month of Shravan in states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka which follow the Amavasya calendar is from August 12, 2018 to September 9, 2018. 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).
Important Festivals in Shravana Masam 2018 and Their Dates
Each region in India has its own set of festivals and here are some that are observed in Southeren states.
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.The dates for Shravan Somvaram Vratam 2018 are August 13, August 20, August 27, and September 3, 2018.
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.The dates for Mangala Gowri Vratham 2018 are August 14, August 21, August 28, and September 4, 2018.
Shravan Shukravaram or Fridays in the Month of Shravan are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.The dates for Shravan Shukravaram Vratam 2018 are August 17, August 24, August 31, and September 7, 2018.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 Varalakshmi Vratam is performed.The date for Varalakshmi Vratam 2018 is August 24, 2018.
Nag Panchami is the day snakes are worshipped in many parts of the country. The date for Nag Panchami is August 15, 2018.
Shravan 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.The date for Raksha Bandhan, Narali Poornima, Avani Avittam is August 26, 2018.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, is 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.The date for Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami is September 2, 2018.
Polala Amavasaya With this concludes the holy month of Shravana . Polala amavasya is equal to Odisha’s ‘Shital Shahsti’ or ‘Sheetal Saptami in North. Polala Amavasya is one of the important fasting days dedicated to Goddess Poleramma. According to the legend, Goddess Poleramma or Goddess Pochamma is considered to be protector or guardian of children, and married women therefore keep the Polala Amavasya vratam for the wellness and longevity of their children. Polala Amavasya is also referred as ‘Pithori Amavasya’. The date of Polala Amavasya is 9th Septemeber.
Sampath Sanivaralu is a typical south Indian tradition wherein young boys with prominent Tilak on forehead, a cotton bag on the shoulder and wearing a dhoti are send to beg in 2 to 5 families. This tradition is more prominent in Karnataka. The dates of the Sampath Sanivaralu are – August 18, August 25, September 1and September 7.
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