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As soon as the month of Saavan arrives, one question that remains the most discussed among Shiva devotees is that some year there are 4 Mondays in Saavan and some year there are 5. Sometimes the number of Mondays becomes even more. In the year 2026, Saavan will start from 30th July till 28th August and during this period there will be a total of 4 Saavan Mondays. Not only religious belief but also almanac and astronomical calculations have a big contribution behind this.

The month of Sawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered very special in Hindu religion. During this time, huge crowds of devotees gather in Shiva temples across the country. From Kanwar Yatra to Jalabhishek and Monday fast, there is an atmosphere of Shiva devotion throughout the month. However, the number of Mondays in Saavan is not the same every year. This is due to the difference between the English calendar and the Hindu calendar, which affects the duration of the month and the days within it.

Why does the number of Mondays change in Saavan?

The biggest reason for changing the number of Mondays in Sawan is the calculation method of the Hindu calendar. While the English calendar is based on the movement of the Sun, the Hindu calendar follows the movement of the Moon. For this reason the duration of the months of both the calendars is different.

A lunar month averages 29.5 days, whereas months in the Gregorian calendar are 30 or 31 days. Due to changes in the movement of the Moon, the dates sometimes decrease and sometimes increase. Sometimes a date lasts for a very short time and decays. This may reduce the duration of the entire month.

If Sawan ends within approximately 29 to 30 days, then only 4 Mondays fall in it. At the same time, when the position of the dates becomes such that the month becomes a little longer, then there is a possibility of 5 Mondays coming. This is why the number of Sawan Mondays appears different every year.

According to astronomy experts, special adjustments are also made in the Panchang from time to time to balance the difference in the movement of the Moon and the Sun. For this reason, the dates of the Hindu calendar appear slightly different every year.

What effect does Adhikamaas have on Saavan?

Sometimes during Sawan, Adhikamas i.e. additional month is also added. This situation occurs when the difference between the solar and lunar calendars increases significantly. To balance that difference, an additional month is added to the calendar, which is called Adhikamas.

When Adhikamaas falls around Saavan, then the duration of Saavan becomes much longer than normal. At such times, Saavan can last for about 59 to 60 days. Due to this the number of Mondays also increases. In some years, devotees have seen a rare coincidence of 8 Sawan Mondays.

From the religious point of view, Adhikamas is also considered very auspicious for worship, charity and devotion to God. This is the reason that when there is a combination of Sawan and Adhikamas, the time of worship for Shiva devotees becomes longer.

Sawan Monday 2026 dates

First Sawan Monday – 3 August 2026
Second Sawan Monday – 10 August 2026
Third Sawan Monday – 17 August 2026
Fourth Sawan Monday – 24 August 2026

Importance of Sawan Monday fast

According to religious beliefs, Monday is considered dedicated to Lord Shiva. Special importance has been given to keeping fast on this day in Sawan and offering water to Shivalinga. It is believed that worship done with devotion brings positivity in life and provides peace to the mind.

Unmarried girls keep fast on Sawan Monday to wish for a good life partner, while married women observe this fast for the happiness, prosperity of the family and happiness of married life. At the same time, a large number of men also perform regular puja throughout the month of Sawan to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Whether there are 4 or 5 Mondays in Saavan, every day of this entire month is considered special for the devotees. This is the reason why Sawan is waited for the whole year and Shiva devotees start worshiping Mahadev with full devotion.

Disclaimer- The information given here is given on the basis of general information. Read does not claim that these are true and accurate.