Why is Sawan important at Kashi Vishwanath?
Sawan (Shravan), the monsoon month of July–August, is sacred to Shiva, and its Mondays (Sawan Somvar) bring some of the largest crowds of the year to Kashi Vishwanath. Kanwariyas arrive with Ganga water to offer to Shiva. The temple announces special arrangements; for example, sparsh darshan and daily passes were cancelled on Sawan Mondays in 2024.
When it falls
- Usually
- July–August
- Calendar basis
- The lunar month of Shravana (purnimanta calendar in north India)
- Upcoming date
- Not yet confirmed by us — check a reliable panchang or official announcements.
On this page
Meaning
Sawan Mondays
Mondays in Sawan are the busiest days of the year after Mahashivratri. Queues form through the night.
Kanwariyas
Kanwariyas carry Ganga water in pots slung from a pole (kanwar) to offer at Shiva temples. In Kashi, many collect water from the Ganga and offer it at Vishwanath.
In July 2024, All India Radio reported that sparsh darshan and all types of daily passes would be cancelled on every Monday of Sawan. Arrangements for later years are announced separately.
Tips
- Avoid Mondays unless worship on that day is important to you.
- The monsoon floods the ghats — boats may stop and the Ganga Aarti moves to higher ground.
- Carry rain protection and expect humidity.
Frequently asked questions
When is Sawan?
Sawan (Shravan) usually falls in July–August. The exact dates depend on the lunar calendar and differ between purnimanta and amanta reckoning.
Can I touch the linga during Sawan?
Sparsh darshan is often suspended on busy days, including Sawan Mondays. Follow the arrangements announced by the temple.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Drik Panchang — Hindu festival dates for Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Drik Panchang — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust — official web portal (opens in a new tab)
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust — Official temple source, checked September 2026
- Kashi Vishwanath Dham: sparsh darshan, all types of daily passes to be cancelled every Monday of Sawan (July 2024) (opens in a new tab)
All India Radio News (Prasar Bharati) — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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