What is common between solah somvar vrat by women and Kanwar Yatra by men?

During the month of Chaturmas, married women and women eligible to be married are often asked to observe 16 Monday fasts and worship Shiva Lingam. Similarly, boys and young adult males travel for days together towards Haridwar to carry Ganga Jal (positive thoughts) and come back and pour it onto the Shiva Lingam in their respective places.

In both the situations, the spiritual ritual is to control one’s sexual desires which are known to increase during Chaturmas, especially in the months of Shravan and Bhadon.

 For Monday fast, it is also a ritual for the wife not to go to the husband in the night.

Apart from that, the festival of Raksha Bandhan, Jagannath Rath Yatra (the only festival of brother and sister where Subhadra, Krishna and Balram are worshipped) and Bhai Dooj, all talk about controlling lust and respect for a women folk in the society.

During these four months, no marriages are held and it is said that men and women should not attempt to produce a child during this period.