According to religious beliefs, the worship of Lord Shiva during the month of Sawan holds special importance. It is believed that worshipping, fasting, and chanting the mantras of Lord Shiva during this month can alleviate all life’s hardships. In 2024, the month of Sawan begins on July 22. Along with this, many other festivals are celebrated during Sawan. This month brings greenery into the lives of people across India. As the monsoon begins, farmers work tirelessly to make the land fertile and hope for a good harvest. The festival of Shravan brings joy and prosperity to farmers’ bodies and minds.
The Festival of Sawan: A Special Occasion for Farmers:
The festival of Sawan is considered a symbol of greenery. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pomp by the people of the state. For farmers, the festival of Sawan is particularly significant for agriculture, as the monsoon begins in this month. From the first day of Sawan, devotees gather in temples. In the evenings, the Shivling is adorned in various forms in different temples. In Chhattisgarh, the greenery that emerges from hard work is celebrated as Hareli. This tradition has been carried on for years. The festival of Sawan is very auspicious for our farmer brothers.
Hareli Festival Brings Enthusiasm to Farmers Lives:
On the Hareli festival, farmers worship their ancestral deities and agricultural tools, praying for a good harvest. The Hareli festival falls on the new moon of the Krishna Paksha in July. It is celebrated when the fields turn green after the rains. During this festival, farmers clean their tools, ranging from small implements to large ones like hoes, pickaxes, shovels, and other agricultural equipment. Farmers celebrate this festival with joy after planting their crops. Various competitions are organized for children in villages during this festival.
Special Aspects of the Sawan Fast:
- Worship Goddess Parvati along with Lord Shiva on Sawan Monday.
- Fast during the day and have a single meal at night, consuming only fasting salt.
- Worship Lord Shiva and Parvati with white flowers, sandalwood, rice, Panchamrit, betel nut, Ganga water, fruits, and pure water.
- Chant the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra and praise Lord Shiva.
- Burn cow dung cakes, and when they turn to embers, perform a havan by adding ghee, rice, and sugar.
- Feed Brahmins and donate clothes, shoes, and slippers to those in need.