First Sawan Somwar 2026: The first Monday of Sawan is falling on 3rd August. This day is not just a calendar date, but the most precious ‘Takkar’ day of the year for millions of devotees of Bhole-Bhandari. The sound of ‘Om Namah Shivay’ is going to be echoed all around, and there will be such a crowd in the temples from the morning itself as if ‘Bolbam has been hit on Kailash’.

Someone is offering a stream of pure water to Lord Shiva, someone is asking for happiness and peace by offering cold milk, while someone is proving his faith by observing a strict fast for the whole day. But do you know what to do in worship on this special day, what not to do and how to win the heart of Bholeshwar? Let us know the simple and accurate method without any unnecessary talk.

Morning ‘golden hours’: start like this

The first thing you have to face as soon as you wake up in the morning is getting up, but not today! Get up in Brahma Muhurta, take a bath and wear clean (preferably white or yellow) clothes. If there is a Shivalinga in the house, then bathe it with holy water, otherwise, go to a nearby temple and perform ‘Jalabhishek’.

Special Tip: If you add a few drops of Ganga water to the water, then this puja becomes even more special. But remember, the bottle of Ganga water should be genuine – innocent people get angry with fake ones!

Bhole liked this ‘Prasad-list’

Now coming to the most important question – What to offer to Lord Shiva?

Belpatra: This is the most favorite of Shiva. Always offer fresh and three-leafed belpatra, and do not offer broken or withered belpatra.

Dhatura and Bhang: The worship of Bhole is incomplete without these, but offer it in quantity only.

White flowers (especially Aak or Kaner) and sandalwood are essential.

Perform Abhishekam with milk, curd and honey, and do not forget to offer sweets or fruits at the end.

Important warning: Do not offer Tulsi Dal and Ketaki flowers to Shivling even by mistake – this is contrary to the beliefs. (According to the legend, Tulsi had wished to marry Shiva, hence he was not pleased.)

Do’s and Don’ts of Pooja

Chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ 108 times – this is the shortest and most powerful mantra.

If you get time, recite Shiv Chalisa or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.

Do not hurry during the puja – Shiva needs great patience; you should also be patient.

After Aarti, close your eyes and pray for prosperity and good health for yourself, family and country.

While fasting, keep these things in mind
Many people keep fast without water (Nirjala Vrat), but if you feel dizzy or weak, then eat fruits (fruits, milk, sago). It is better to keep fast while taking care of your health rather than lying to God and breaking your body. Because true faith is not measured by hunger, but by emotions.

Greater virtue than worship: Must do these 2 things
If you are a true devotee of Shiva, then definitely help someone in need on this day –

Feed a poor person.

Take blessings by touching the feet of an elderly person. And most importantly – do not argue or abuse anyone throughout the day. This is the day when every good deed of yours reaches Shiva.

What is truth and what is rumour?

Is it best to worship Shiva only on Monday of Sawan? – Mythological belief is that the month of Sawan is the month of churning of the ocean and drinking of Halahal poison, hence special blessings of Shiva are received. But according to Skanda Purana, every day is Shiva’s day, only Saavan is the ‘season’ of reverence. So don’t worry, if you are not able to do it today then you can do it on any Monday of Sawan.

Shouldn’t Belpatra be offered without three leaves?

Yes, that is correct. The three leaf group of Belpatra is the symbol of ‘Tridev’ (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh), hence Belpatra with incomplete or one or two leaves is considered inauspicious.

The Biggest Secret (The Final Takeaway)

Now think deeply – Lord Shiva does not want hunger or thirst, but the feeling of a devotee. If you offer expensive Prasad with ‘show off’ in mind, they get angry, and if you carry only Belpatra in your bag and lovingly say ‘Bam-Bam Bhole’, they become happy.
So tomorrow when you go to the temple, no big offering, just take your true heart, and see what kind of miracle happens!

Important –  This article is based on religious beliefs, Puranas and common popular facts. All dates and puja rituals may vary as per local calendar. Consult your doctor or religious expert before making any fasting or dietary changes. We do not guarantee 100% accuracy of this information. Adoration to Lord Shiva!