Sawan, the fifth month in the Hindu calendar which is considered auspicious, has begun today. In the Gregorian calendar, it falls during the months of July and August. During this month, Hindus worship Lord Shiva and conduct special rituals and offer prayers. And as Sawan, as has begun, people have taken to Twitter posting pictures of Lord Mahadev. #MahadevTwitter has been trending on Twitter with people wishing each other on the start of the auspicious month. Sawan started on July 17 and will end on August 15. Sawan 2019 Calendar and Dates: Shravan Month Schedule & Solah Somvar Vrat Puja Vidhi to Please Lord Shiva.

During Sawan, people observe fast and abstain from various things. All Mondays that fall within this month are considered auspicious and are known as Sawan Somwar. Other auspicious days that fall during the month of Sawan include Sawan Shivaratri and Hariyali Amavasya. Hariyali Teej and Naga Panchami, are also celebrated during this time. Shivratri will be celebrated on July 30, 2019. During the same time, in Maharashtra, farmers celebrate Bail Pola festival which is a day dedicated for cattle. The farmers decorate and pay respect to their cattle. Bail Pola falls on the day of the Pithori Amavasya.  WhatsApp Stickers, GIF Image Messages, SMS, Greetings and Facebook Photos to Celebrate The Holy Month of Sawan.

Check Out Pictures of Lord Mahadev Being Shared on Twitter:

It is believed that during the month of Sawan, Lord Shiva was impressed by the austerity of Parvati and chose her as his wife.

It is also believed that Lord Shiva fulfils the wishes of all his devotees and followers during the month of Sawan.

On the first day of Sawan, people throng Shiva temples where special prayers are held.

It is also said that Shiva blesses those fast during this month.

Lakhs of followers of Lord Shiva hold the Kanwar Yatra each year during the month of Sawan.

Kanwars are Lord Shiva's devotees who gather at Haridwar every year to take a holy dip and collect water of the Holy River Ganges to offer Lord Shiva. The Kanwars carry the holy water with them on their shoulders to offer it to Shivalingas in temples. People pray to Lord Shiva for success, marriage, and prosperity during the month of Sawan.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2019 03:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).