Monday fasting in Shravan month dedicated to Lord Shiva — the most auspicious Mondays of the year.

Shravan Somwar Vrat is the Monday fast of the month of Shravan, the holiest month in the Shiva calendar. Shravan is when the ocean was churned and Shiva drank the Halahala poison to save creation, holding it in his throat and turning it blue. Monday is Shiva own weekday, ruled by Chandra whom he wears on his head, so the Mondays of Shravan are considered the most powerful days of the year for Shiva worship. Unmarried women keep the fast to obtain a good husband — following Parvati, who won Shiva through her own austerity in this month. Married women keep it for their husband long life and for household harmony. The abhishek of the Shivling with water, milk and bilva patra is the central act.

Three levels of observance are traditional: nirjala (waterless), phalahar (fruit and milk), or a single satvik meal taken after the evening puja. Once begun, the vrat should be kept for all the Mondays of Shravan.