What to Eat and What to Avoid During Sawan

What to Eat and What to Avoid during Sawan : 

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is considered an auspicious month in the Hindu calendar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this month, many people observe certain dietary restrictions and avoid certain foods as a part of their religious and spiritual practices. The specific foods to avoid may vary depending on regional customs and personal beliefs.

Foods we should eat :

During the Sawan month, people may choose to observe certain dietary practices based on their religious and cultural beliefs. While there are no strict rules for what to eat during this time, some common dietary practices followed by individuals during Sawan include:

1. Vegetarian food: Many people prefer to consume a strictly vegetarian diet during Sawan. This includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

2. Fresh fruits: Seasonal fruits are popular during Sawan as they are considered beneficial for health and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Dairy products: Milk and milk products like yogurt (curd), paneer (cottage cheese), and ghee (clarified butter) are commonly consumed by those observing Sawan.

4. Fasting: Some devotees choose to fast on specific days of Sawan, consuming only water or fruits during certain periods. Fasting is often done as an act of devotion and to purify the body and mind.

5. Sattvic foods: Sattvic foods are considered pure and conducive to spiritual practices. These include foods that are fresh, light, and easy to digest, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy products.

6. Natural and simple preparations: Many people prefer to avoid highly spiced and processed foods during Sawan, opting for simple and home-cooked meals.

7. Sweet dishes: Some individuals may offer or consume sweet dishes and desserts as part of their religious offerings and celebrations during Sawan. 

Food we should avoid and why : 

It's important to clarify that the dietary restrictions observed during the Sawan month are primarily based on religious and cultural beliefs rather than scientific reasons. However, some of the beliefs associated with avoiding certain foods during this period can be loosely related to health considerations:

1. Onion and garlic: In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, onion and garlic are considered rajasic (stimulating) and tamasic (inducing lethargy) foods. Some people believe that these foods can affect one's mental and physical state, making them less suitable for a period dedicated to spiritual practices.

2. Non-vegetarian food: Some people may choose to avoid non-vegetarian food during Sawan due to environmental and ethical reasons. However, from a purely scientific perspective, a well-balanced vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet can provide essential nutrients for the body.

3. Red lentils (masoor dal): Red lentils are known to generate heat in the body according to Ayurveda. During the monsoon season when Sawan falls, some people may avoid these foods to maintain a balanced body temperature.

4. Bottle gourd (lauki): Some Ayurvedic texts suggest that bottle gourd may have a cooling effect on the body, and consuming it during the monsoon could potentially lead to digestive issues. However, this is not a universally accepted view, and bottle gourd is considered a healthy vegetable in general.

5. Junk and processed foods: It is often encouraged to stick to natural and wholesome foods during this month, and processed or unhealthy foods may be avoided.

6. Excessive spices: While mild spices are usually permitted, excessive use of hot and pungent spices may be avoided to maintain a sense of purity and simplicity in the diet.

7. Stale and leftover food: Freshly cooked food is preferred, and leftover or stale food may be avoided as it is believed to have negative effects on the mind and body.

8. Fermented foods: Some people avoid fermented foods during Sawan as they are considered tamasic (inducing lethargy) in nature.