Sawan Somvar Mahakal 2026. Dates, Shahi Sawari, Booking Guide
Sawan (Shravan) is the holiest month for Lord Shiva worship. The 4 Mondays of Sawan 2026 see lakhs of devotees at Mahakaleshwar Ujjain. Each Monday hosts a Shahi Sawari procession where Lord Mahakal is taken in a royal palki around the city. This guide covers all 2026 dates, booking tips, and crowd management.
Sawan 2026 dates
| Sawan Somvar | Date 2026 | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Sawan begins | 10 July 2026 | Adhik Maas this year |
| 1st Sawan Monday | 13 July 2026 | 1st Shahi Sawari |
| 2nd Sawan Monday | 20 July 2026 | 2nd Shahi Sawari |
| 3rd Sawan Monday | 27 July 2026 | 3rd Shahi Sawari (largest) |
| 4th Sawan Monday | 3 Aug 2026 | 4th Shahi Sawari |
| Final Shahi Sawari | 10 Aug 2026 | Last royal procession before Sawan ends |
Shahi Sawari procession
Shahi Sawari starts at 4 PM from the Mahakal Temple. The deity is taken in 5 different forms (Manmahesh, Chandramoulishwar, Shri Umamaheshwar, Shri Shivtandav, Shri Holkar) on a silver palki around the old city, ending at Ram Ghat for arati and back to the temple by 10 PM.
Booking for Sawan Mondays
- Bhasma Aarti slots open 60 days ahead. For 13 July, slots open 14 May 2026 at 12 AM
- VIP Shighra Darshan slots fill 1 to 2 days before Sawan Monday
- Free queue takes 6 to 8 hours. Reach Gate 1 by 4 AM
Where to watch the Shahi Sawari
- Mahakal Temple Gate 1: starting point, 4 PM
- Tower Square: 5 PM, big crowd
- Ram Ghat: 7 PM, evening aarti at the river
- Shipra bridge: 8 PM, return route
Frequently asked questions
When is Sawan 2026?
Sawan starts 10 July 2026. The 4 Sawan Mondays are 13 July, 20 July, 27 July, and 3 August 2026.
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What time is Shahi Sawari on Sawan Monday?
Starts 4 PM from Mahakal Temple. Returns by 10 PM. Watch at Ram Ghat for evening aarti.
How crowded is Mahakal on Sawan Monday?
Very crowded. Expect 5 to 7 lakh devotees per Monday. Free queue takes 6 to 8 hours.
Can I book Bhasma Aarti for Sawan Monday?
Yes, but slots open exactly 60 days before and fill within 60 seconds. Set a reminder for the booking date.
About this site
Independent informational guide for Mahakal Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain. Verified weekly against the official portal mahakaleshwar.nic.in. We do not facilitate bookings.
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