Festivals and Vratas In Month of July

Festivals and Vratas in the Month of July: A Spiritual Calendar of Auspicious Observances

By Intimate Viewpoint

The month of July, corresponding primarily to the Hindu lunar months of Ashadha and Shravana, is a time of profound religious observances across India. 

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This period marks the transition from the scorching summer to the refreshing monsoon season, symbolizing renewal and spiritual awakening. Devotees observe numerous vratas (vows and fasts) and celebrate vibrant festivals dedicated to various deities. Let’s explore some of the major vrata and festivals falling in July, their significance, and the rituals associated with them.

1. Devshayani Ekadashi

When: Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi (falls mostly in early to mid-July)

Significance: Also known as Hari Shayani Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi, this marks the day when Lord Vishnu is believed to enter deep cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) in the Ksheer Sagar (cosmic ocean). This period is called Chaturmas, spanning the next four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartik.

Observances and Rituals:

Devotees observe a strict fast and perform Vishnu Puja with Tulsi leaves, flowers, and offerings. Many avoid grains and beans on this day. It is considered highly meritorious to listen to the Padma Purana and stories related to Ekadashi. Weddings and auspicious ceremonies are paused during Chaturmas.

2. Guru Purnima

When: Ashadha Purnima (usually mid-July)

Significance: Guru Purnima honors the spiritual and academic teachers (Gurus) who guide us in life. It is said to be the birthday of Sage Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas.

Observances and Rituals:

Disciples offer gratitude to their Gurus by performing puja, giving gifts, and seeking blessings. In many regions, monks begin their monsoon retreat (Chaturmas Vasa) on this day. Spiritual aspirants spend the day in introspection, scriptural reading, and charity.

3. Purnima Vrat

When: Full Moon day of every month; in July it coincides with Guru Purnima

Significance: Observing a fast on Purnima is believed to cleanse past sins and bring peace and prosperity.

Observances and Rituals:

Devotees observe a day-long fast and perform Satyanarayana Puja in the evening. Offering food and donations to Brahmins and the poor is customary.

4. Mangala Gauri Vrat

When: Tuesdays of Shravan month (begins in late July)

Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Mangala Gauri), this vrat is observed primarily by married women for a happy married life and the well-being of the family.

Observances and Rituals:

Women set up an idol or picture of the Goddess, light lamps, and offer sweets, betel nuts, coconut, and special naivedya. They chant Mangala Gauri Vrat katha and tie sacred threads. This fast is observed every Tuesday during Shravan.

5. Shravan Month Begins

When: Usually starts in the last week of July

Significance: Shravan (or Sawan) is considered the holiest month for worshipping Lord Shiva. It is believed that during Shravan, the divine nectar fell from Samudra Manthan, sanctifying the entire month.

Observances and Rituals:

Devotees observe fasts every Monday (Shravan Somvar), visit Shiva temples, and perform Abhishekam with milk, honey, ghee, and water. Many observe a month-long vegetarian diet and avoid onion and garlic.

6. Shravan Somvar Vrat

When: Every Monday of Shravan (beginning in July or August depending on the year)

Significance: Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and during Shravan, their significance multiplies manifold. Unmarried girls observe this fast to seek a suitable husband like Lord Shiva.

Observances and Rituals:

Fasting from sunrise to sunset is common. Devotees offer Bel Patra, milk, and Datura flowers to the Shiva Linga. Recitation of Rudram and chanting Om Namah Shivaya are considered extremely auspicious.

7. Kamika Ekadashi

When: Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Shravan (falls in late July or early August)

Significance: This Ekadashi helps one overcome sins and attain liberation (moksha).

Observances and Rituals:

Devotees fast from sunrise to the next morning and worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves. Reading or listening to the Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha is recommended.

8. Nag Panchami

When: Shravan Shukla Panchami (usually late July or early August)

Significance: Nag Panchami is dedicated to the worship of serpents, especially Sheshnag and Vasuki. This festival underlines the harmony between humans and nature.

Observances and Rituals:

People offer milk and flowers to images of snakes or to live cobras (wherever safely possible). Women apply turmeric and vermillion to snake idols and draw snake motifs at the threshold. Fasting and singing Nag Panchami songs are customary.

9. Varalakshmi Vrat (in some years, falls in late July)

When: Friday before Shravan Purnima

Significance: Observed by married women for prosperity and well-being of their families, Varalakshmi Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her boon-giving form.

Observances and Rituals:

A sacred pot (Kalash) symbolizing Lakshmi is decorated and worshipped with flowers, turmeric, and kumkum. Women tie a sacred thread around their wrist and offer sweets and fruits. The vrat is considered equivalent to worshipping Ashta Lakshmi.

Regional Festivals in July

Bipattarini Puja (West Bengal): Worship of Goddess Bipattarini to remove obstacles and protect from danger.

Ratha Yatra (Odisha, Bengal, Gujarat): Sometimes falls in late June or early July; the grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in Puri.

Ashadha Amavasya: New Moon day of Ashadha month is important for Pitru Tarpan (ancestor offerings).

Conclusion

July marks the beginning of an intensely spiritual phase in the Hindu calendar. From Devshayani Ekadashi starting Chaturmas to Shravan Somvar, every observance carries a deeper message of self-discipline, devotion, and gratitude. Whether you participate by fasting, offering prayers, or practicing charity, these vrata and festivals create a divine atmosphere in households and hearts alike.

As the rains nourish the earth, let this month nourish your soul through devotion and good deeds.