Sawan 2026: Donate These 10 Things During the Holy Month to Seek Lord Shiva’s Blessings

Religious beliefs associate charity during Sawan with spiritual merit, compassion and devotion. Here are some of the items traditionally considered auspicious for donation during the sacred month.

By Vidhi Lalla 

Pune: The holy month of Sawan, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, will be observed from July 30 to August 28, 2026. Along with fasting, Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek, charity is considered an important part of spiritual practice during this period.

According to traditional Hindu beliefs, offering donations to the needy with devotion during Sawan is believed to invite Lord Shiva’s blessings, promote inner peace and encourage acts of compassion. Religious scholars also believe that charity performed selflessly during this month can help devotees overcome difficulties and strengthen positive intentions.

Here are 10 items traditionally considered auspicious for donation during Sawan:

Rice, sugar and white clothing: Donating these items is believed to symbolise peace and purity. Religious beliefs associate such offerings with mental calmness and emotional well-being.

Milk: Since milk is commonly used for Lord Shiva’s abhishek, donating milk to underprivileged families is also considered a virtuous act during Sawan.

Green gram and green vegetables: Whole green gram (moong), green vegetables and seasonal green fruits are traditionally donated with the belief that they promote growth, learning and prosperity.

Black sesame seeds: Black sesame (til) holds religious significance in Hindu traditions. Donating black sesame seeds during Sawan is believed to bring spiritual merit and is associated with seeking blessings for ancestors as well.

Salt and black gram: According to traditional beliefs, donating salt or black gram during Sawan is considered auspicious and is associated with reducing obstacles in life.

Clothing: Donating clean, wearable clothes to those in need is regarded as a meaningful charitable act. If new clothes are not possible, gently used clothes in good condition may also be donated.

Umbrellas: As Sawan coincides with the monsoon season, donating umbrellas to people who need them is considered a thoughtful and practical form of charity.

Donations to gaushalas: Contributing fodder, funds or essential supplies to cow shelters is regarded as an auspicious act by many devotees during this month.

Support for old-age homes and people with disabilities: Donating food, medicines, blankets, wheelchairs, crutches or other essential items to elderly people or persons with disabilities is considered a noble act of service.

Bilva (Bel) saplings and Kanwar pilgrim service: Gifting Bilva saplings for planting or offering drinking water, fruits, food, medicines and other essentials to Kanwar pilgrims are also among the charitable practices observed by devotees during Sawan.

Religious experts advise that charity should always be performed without expecting anything in return. Many devotees also chant “Om Namah Shivaya” while making donations as an expression of faith and gratitude.

Disclaimer: This article is based on religious beliefs and traditional practices. These customs vary across regions and communities and are matters of personal faith.