Somvar Vrat (Monday Fast)

Somvar Vrat is the weekly Monday fast dedicated to Lord Shiva. Considered particularly beneficial for unmarried girls seeking a suitable husband, and for married women praying for their husband's well-being and long life. The most powerful sequences are the Sawan Somvar (Mondays of Shravan month, July-August) and the Solah Somvar Vrat — 16 consecutive Mondays observed for a specific wish, followed by an udyapan ceremony.

📅 Upcoming dates

Monday, 5 October 2026
Monday, 12 October 2026
Monday, 19 October 2026
Monday, 26 October 2026

Dates are worked out from the panchang for New Delhi (IST). A tithi ends at a different hour elsewhere, so in some years the day differs by one.

🔔 Puja Vidhi

Bathe at sunrise, wear white or light-coloured clothes
Perform Shiva puja: offer bilva leaves, white flowers, and Ganga jal abhishek
Recite Shiva Chalisa and Shivashtakam
Observe a single-meal fast (one satvik meal after evening puja)
Distribute white sweets (kheer, coconut) as prasad

📜 Rules

Only satvik food during the vrat day (no onion, garlic, meat, alcohol)
Solah Somvar udyapan involves feeding 16 Brahmins and gifting them
Sawan Somvar Mondays combine with Shravan Somwar for double merit

Read the full vrat katha

📖 Open the katha in the Devotional Library

→

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Solah Somvar Vrat?

16 consecutive Mondays observed with a specific wish. Traditionally undertaken by unmarried girls for a good husband. Concludes with udyapan puja and feeding of 16 Brahmins/eligible girls.

Can men observe Somvar Vrat?

Absolutely. Men observe it for career growth, spiritual advancement, and family harmony. Shravan Somvar is popular for all genders.