If you live in Gujarat or Maharashtra and saw people in North India celebrating Shravan from late July, you have not missed the month. 

Shravan Maas 2026 begins on 13 August in Gujarat and Maharashtra because both states follow the Amanta lunar calendar. The four Shravan Somvar here fall on 17 August, 24 August, 31 August and 7 September. For Ahmedabad, the Amanta Shravan period runs through 11 September 2026. 

That regional difference matters. It gives devotees in Gujarat and Maharashtra their own full Shravan cycle for Somvar vrat, Shiva worship, Mangala Gauri Vrat and, for those planning to begin, Rudraksha wearing. 

Why Does Shravan Start Later in Gujarat and Maharashtra? 

The difference comes down to how the lunar month is counted. 

Most North Indian states follow the Purnimanta calendar, where the month changes after the full moon. Gujarat, Maharashtra and several southern states follow the Amanta calendar, where the month ends with Amavasya. 

As a result, North India’s Shravan began on 30 July 2026, while the Amanta Shravan used in Gujarat and Maharashtra begins on 13 August. 

Neither system is more correct. 

If your family is Gujarati or Maharashtrian, following the Amanta dates is generally the relevant choice unless your family tradition says otherwise. 

For the complete all-India comparison, see our Shravan Month 2026 guide. 

Shravan Somvar 2026 Dates for Gujarat and Maharashtra 

There are four Mondays within the Amanta Shravan period: 

Shravan Somvar Date 
First Somvar 17 August 2026 
Second Somvar 24 August 2026 
Third Somvar 31 August 2026 
Fourth Somvar 7 September 2026 

These dates apply to Gujarat and Maharashtra as well as other regions following the Amanta lunar calendar. 

If you plan to begin a new Shiva practice or start wearing Rudraksha during Shravan, any of these Mondays can give you a clear starting point. 

Missing the first one does not mean you need to wait until next year. 

How Is Shravan Somvar Vrat Commonly Observed? 

Somvar vrat varies by family, temple and regional tradition, so there is no need to force one universal routine. 

A simple observance may include: 

  • bathing before morning puja 
  • performing Jal Abhishek on a Shiva Lingam 
  • offering bilva leaves where available 
  • chanting Om Namah Shivaya 
  • keeping a fast or following a permitted vrat diet 
  • visiting a Shiva temple 
  • completing evening Aarti before breaking the fast according to family practice 

Some people keep a full fast, while others consume fruit, milk or simple vrat food. 

Health comes first. Anyone managing diabetes, pregnancy, medication schedules or another medical condition should adapt fasting according to professional medical guidance rather than forcing a strict vrat. 

Mangala Gauri Vrat 2026: The Tuesday Tradition 

Shravan in Gujarat and Maharashtra is not only about Monday. 

Mangala Gauri Vrat is observed on Tuesdays during Shravan and is traditionally associated with Goddess Gauri. It is particularly established in Maharashtra and is commonly observed by married women, especially newlyweds, in traditions centred around marital wellbeing and family life. 

For the Amanta calendar, the four Mangala Gauri Vrat dates in 2026 are: 

  • 18 August 
  • 25 August 
  • 1 September 
  • 8 September 

These fall immediately after each of the four Shravan Mondays. 

That creates a distinctive weekly rhythm during the month: Somvar for Shiva, followed by Tuesday worship associated with Gauri. 

The tradition should still be understood devotionally. It is not a guarantee of marriage, pregnancy or a particular family outcome. 

A Few Regional Shravan Dates Worth Knowing 

Gujarat and Maharashtra also bring their own cultural character to Shravan. 

Nag Panchami: 17 August 

Nag Panchami falls on 17 August 2026, which also happens to be the first Shravan Somvar for Gujarat and Maharashtra this year. 

That makes the first Monday particularly significant on the regional calendar. 

Narali Purnima: 28 August 

In Maharashtra, especially along the Konkan coast, Shravana Purnima is observed as Narali Purnima on 28 August 2026. 

The festival is closely connected with coastal communities and the traditional worship of Varuna, with coconut offerings made to the sea. 

Pola: 11 September 

Maharashtra’s Pola falls on 11 September 2026. The festival has strong rural and agricultural roots and honours bulls and their role in farming communities. The Marathi calendar places Pola at the close of the Shravan period. 

These regional observances are exactly why copying a generic North Indian Shravan calendar can leave Gujarati and Maharashtrian readers with an incomplete picture. 

Which Rudraksha Should You Begin Wearing During Shravan? 

There is no special “Gujarat Rudraksha” or “Maharashtra Rudraksha.” 

Your location determines the calendar you follow, not the Mukhi you need. 

For most first-time wearers, 5 Mukhi Rudraksha remains the simplest starting point. It is widely worn for general Shiva devotion, mantra japa and regular spiritual practice. 

If your purpose is more specific, other Mukhi are traditionally considered differently: 

  • 4 Mukhi for learning and communication traditions 
  • 7 Mukhi for traditional stability and Shani-related guidance 
  • 8 Mukhi for Ganesha-associated obstacle symbolism 
  • 11 Mukhi for Hanuman-associated discipline and courage 
  • 12 Mukhi for Surya-associated confidence and leadership traditions 

These are traditional associations, not promised outcomes. 

If you are completely new, do not let Shravan become an excuse to overbuy. One authentic 5 Mukhi worn consistently is a better starting point than an expensive combination you do not understand. 

Planning to Start Rudraksha on a Specific Somvar? 

Do not leave the purchase until the night before. 

If you want to begin on 17 August, 24 August, 31 August or 7 September, allow enough time to: 

Choose the Mukhi. 

Know why you are buying it. 

Check the exact bead. 

For higher-value Rudraksha, look for bead-specific photographs, Mukhi count, dimensions and certification. 

Allow for delivery. 

Courier timelines can vary by city and pin code, so check the estimated delivery before choosing the Somvar on which you plan to begin. 

Inspect it before wearing. 

An auspicious Monday is not a reason to skip authenticity checks. 

For detailed verification, use our step-by-step original Rudraksha guide. 

FAQs 

Shravan begins on 13 August 2026 under the Amanta lunar calendar followed in Gujarat.

Maharashtra also follows the Amanta calendar, with Shravan beginning on 13 August 2026.

The four Mondays are 17 August, 24 August, 31 August and 7 September 2026.

The four Amanta dates are 18 August, 25 August, 1 September and 8 September 2026.

For many first-time wearers, 5 Mukhi is the most practical starting point. If you have a specific traditional purpose, another Mukhi may be more appropriate.

Make the Most of Your Own Shravan Calendar 

For Gujarat and Maharashtra, Shravan is not running late. 

It is simply following a different lunar system. 

From the first Somvar on 17 August to the final Monday on 7 September, the Amanta calendar gives devotees a complete month to build a steadier Shiva practice through puja, fasting, mantra and Rudraksha wearing. 

Follow your regional dates rather than someone else’s calendar. Keep the vrat within your physical capacity. And if you are adding a Rudraksha to your practice, choose it because you understand what you are wearing, not because Shravan created a deadline. 

If you plan to buy Rudraksha online, explore the certified Rudraksha collection from a trusted seller like Rudraksha Sanskar and allow enough delivery time before the Somvar on which you want to begin.