Shiva devotees advised on auspicious donations and rituals for Sawan 2026

During the Hindu month of Sawan, which runs from 30 July to 28 August 2026, religious guidance highlights specific charitable acts and rituals believed to please Lord Shiva and mitigate planetary afflictions. Devotees are encouraged to donate white rice, black sesame seeds, small silver items, salt and green vegetables, each linked to a particular planet and promised to bring peace, prosperity and reduced negative influences.

The first Monday of Sawan, falling on 3 August 2026, is considered especially holy. Practitioners are advised to bathe at dawn, wear white clothing, and perform elaborate ablutions of Shiva’s lingam with Ganga water, milk, yogurt and honey, offering bel leaves, dhatura, and incense. Similar observances are recommended on the three subsequent Mondays (10, 17 and 24 August). These practices, along with chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times, are said to attract Shiva’s blessings, improve health, relationships and overall wellbeing.