Observing a vrat on Shravan Somvar is one of the most widely practised devotional acts in the Hindu tradition. It is simple, accessible, and deeply powerful.
Who Should Observe the Shravan Somvar Fast?
The fast is recommended for anyone who wishes to deepen their Shiva bhakti or seek a specific blessing. No gender restrictions.
Traditionally especially recommended for: Young unmarried women (seeking a good husband), married women (for husband’s health and longevity), anyone with Shani/Rahu/Ketu dosh, and anyone with a pending vow to Shiva.
The Rules of the Shravan Somvar Fast
Duration: Sunrise to sunset (or until after the evening puja).
Water: Permitted throughout. Nirjala (waterless) is an advanced practice.
Food: If eating, one sattvic meal. No grains, no onion, no garlic. Only sendha namak (rock salt) — not table salt.
Breaking the fast: In the evening after puja. Receive prasad first, then eat a full sattvic meal.
What to Eat on Shravan Somvar Vrat
Permitted
- All fruits — banana, apple, mango, papaya, pomegranate, coconut
- Dairy — milk, curd, buttermilk, paneer, ghee
- Sabudana dishes — khichdi, vada, kheer (with rock salt and ghee)
- Singhare / Kuttu flour — puri or paratha with rock salt
- Potato dishes — without onion and garlic
- Makhana (fox nuts) — roasted in ghee
- Nuts and dried fruits — all permitted
Not Permitted
- All grains: rice, wheat, barley, dal, corn, regular flour
- Onion and garlic
- Non-vegetarian food
- Table salt — use only sendha namak
- Processed or packaged food
- Fermented foods, alcohol
Traditional Vrat Meal: Sabudana Khichdi
Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup sabudana (soaked overnight) · 2 tbsp ghee · 1 tsp cumin · 2 green chillies · ½ cup roasted peanuts (coarse) · 1 tsp sendha namak · 2 tbsp coriander · juice of ½ lemon
Method: Heat ghee, add cumin and chillies. Add soaked sabudana, cook on medium until translucent (5–7 min). Add peanuts, rock salt, coriander, and lemon. Serve immediately.
Breaking the Fast: The Evening Ritual
- Perform the Shravan Somvar evening puja
- Receive prasad first — before any regular food
- Eat a full sattvic evening meal — freshly prepared, no heavy or processed food
See also:
• Shravan Month 2026: Complete Guide
• Shravan Somvar Puja Vidhi