4 July- Sawan The holy month of Sawan or Shravan begins today. This fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar typically falls between July and August in the Gregorian calendar. The holy month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. It is believed that observing prayers, fasting, and other rituals during this month pleases Lord Shiva and in return, he grants devotees his blessings and divine grace. Sawan 2023 Start Date: Referred to as Shravan, this festival honours Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and will be celebrated from July 4 to August 31 in 2023. This year, Sawan will extend for a duration of two months, which is a rarity seen after almost two decades. The elongation is attributed to the inclusion of the “Malamas” month, an additional month inserted into the Hindu lunar calendar to maintain synchronisation with the lunar cycle. As 2023 observes the presence of this extra month, the celebration of Sawan will be prolonged by one month compared to the usual duration. Consequently, instead of the customary four Mondays and four Tuesdays dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, 2023 will witness an abundance of eight Mondays and eight Tuesdays to commemorate these deities. Falling on the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, each Monday (Shravan Somwar) is devoted to Lord Shiva, and each Tuesday to Goddess Parvati during the month of Sawan. On Tuesdays, it is common to observe fasts for Goddess Parvati. This fast, Drik Pachang says, is known as Mangal Gauri Vrat. The legend, myth, and significance of this holy festival have much impact on Hinduism and the Hindu lunar calendar. As such, Sawan is observed as the holiest month in Hinduism