Sawan: A Month of Devotion, Beauty & Renewal
Sawan, or Shravan, is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar and is considered one of the most auspicious times for worshipping Lord Shiva. With rains bringing freshness to the earth, Sawan is seen as a month of spiritual cleansing, fertility, and transformation—especially for women. One vibrant tradition that stands out is married and unmarried Hindu women adorning themselves in green, especially on Mondays and Fridays.
But why green? Is it just about matching the monsoon vibe—or is there a deeper symbolism?
Green: The Colour of Life, Hope & Shakti
In Hinduism, green symbolizes fertility, harmony, prosperity, and new beginnings. For women, particularly those who are married or seeking marriage, green holds deep emotional and spiritual resonance during Sawan.
Here’s what it truly signifies:
- Fertility and Growth: Green represents fertility and the growth of life—qualities deeply tied to feminine energy.
- Marital Bliss: Wearing green bangles, sarees, or suits during Sawan is believed to bless women with a happy and long married life.
- Spiritual Renewal: Just as rain revives nature, green attire during Sawan is symbolic of personal renewal and emotional balance.
- Tribute to Goddess Parvati: Green is considered the favorite color of Goddess Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva. Women wear green to invoke her blessings for love, longevity, and happiness.
For Married Women: A Sign of Love and Longevity
For married Hindu women, wearing green in Sawan is closely tied to their role as sumangalis—women whose husbands are alive. Green is worn:
- As a prayer for their husband’s long life
- To express devotion and gratitude to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- During rituals like Mangala Gauri Vrat and Sawan Somvar fasting
These customs blend spiritual intent with visual symbolism, creating a powerful emotional connection to tradition.
For Unmarried Women: Hope and Devotion
Young, unmarried women also wear green during Sawan, especially on Fridays and Mondays. Here’s why:
- Green is a sign of hope, signaling their wish for a good life partner
- It reflects their devotion to Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings for a prosperous future
- Many girls perform Sawan Somvar Vrat, believing it brings marital blessings from Lord Shiva and Parvati
Cultural Practices: More Than Just Fashion
In North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, green is not just worn—it’s celebrated.
- Green bangles are exchanged among women
- Henna (mehndi) is applied—another green-hued symbol of joy and femininity
- Green sarees, suits, and dupattas dominate markets during Sawan
This makes Sawan a time of bonding, celebration, and spiritual upliftment, deeply rooted in Indian culture.
Final Thoughts: A Living Tradition of Beauty and Belief
Wearing green in Sawan is not just a seasonal fashion statement. It is a vibrant symbol of feminine power, fertility, spirituality, and devotion. Through this tradition, Hindu women celebrate not only the divine couple—Shiva and Parvati—but also their own roles as nurturers, seekers, and spiritual beings.
So next time you see a group of women in bright green during Sawan, know that behind the color lies a centuries-old story of love, prayer, and inner strength.
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Author: Nitin mittal
CA by qualification
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