Foods to Eat and Avoid during Sawan Maas: An Overview

Sawan is an auspicious and celebrated month in the Hindu calendar that holds a profound significance and notable influence on the dietary habits of our community. This holy period usually falls between July and August, which are also monsoon seasons popularly known as Sawan. The devotees worship the destroyer of the world, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, for their ultimate sacrifice and selflessness. Devotees follow various rituals related to food, like observing fast or practising eating only one meal a day as a way of expressing their love, devotion and seeking blessings of the supreme being. There are certain foods to eat and avoid during this holy month. One of the major aspects revolves around consuming Satvik (pure) food, which is believed to purify both our mind and body. There is more to the list of foods to eat and avoid, which we will discuss in this article. So, let’s get started. 

Introduction

Sawan is a holy month celebrated by Hindus to celebrate and shower gratitude on Lord Shiva for his selflessness and the sacrifice he made during the Samundra Manthan. This sacred period holds immense importance in the cultural and religious fabric. Lord Shiva, known as the transformer and destroyer, is also one of the principal deities in Hinduism and is worshipped for his knowledge, divine qualities, and compassion. During this period, devotees perform various rituals, which as visiting Shiva temples, offering Gangajal or milk, fasting, singing bhajans, and offering prayers to seek his blessing. It is believed that many of these rituals can purify our soul, bring fulfilment and prosperity, and grant spiritual upliftment. 

In the realm of all the rituals and significance, food plays a crucial role in the celebration of Sawan. Many devotees opt for pure/satvik food during these months, which is considered to be holy, light, unadulterated, and healthy. Satvik food^[1] is not only extremely healthy but it is also believed to enhance clarity of mind and promotes spirituality. There are certain foods to eat and avoid during this auspicious period as food is believed to have a direct link to our body and mind, and so do all the rituals and practices one performs. To focus on food to eat and avoid also reflects the devotee’s commitment to self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and the purification of mind and body. 

Emphasis on the Foods Choices

Focusing on the foods to eat and avoid during the auspicious month of Sawan is more of a tradition in our Hindu culture. Certain food types are considered pure and auspicious for consumption, while some are recommended to be avoided. High emphasis is laid down on satvik food as it is believed to be healthy and spiritually refreshing that strengthens our bond with the divine being. It is recommended to consume fresh vegetables, fruits, A2 dairy products, grains, and nuts, in short, food types that are light and pure. On the other hand, food items like alcohol, meat, garlic, and onions are highly avoided during this auspicious month as they are considered to be tamasic (impure) and rajasic (stimulating) in nature. The selection of foods to eat and avoid highlights our adherence to our religion and reflects the significant effects of food on our physical and mental health. We have mentioned for you 6 foods to eat and avoid later in this article which will help you in fostering a profound connection with the supreme being. 

Foods to Eat and Avoid during Sawan Maas: 6 Foods to Consume 

It is believed that during the holy month of Sawan, there are certain foods to eat and avoid, which are categorised under pure and impure types. Here are six foods that are considered appropriate choices for devotees during the month of Sawan:-

1. Dahi: A2 dahi is an extremely refreshing and delicious dairy product made from pure and unadulterated A2 cow milk. It is an ideal choice for devotees who are fasting or practising the ritual of eating one meal a day. It is light, easy to digest, and cooling, making it a perfect addition to our sawan diet.
2. Nuts: Another item on our list of foods to eat and avoid during Sawan is Nuts. Nuts such as walnuts, cashews and almonds are an excellent addition as they contain essential nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. A handful of nuts can provide our body with the required stamina and energy to perform other rituals and fasting periods. Nuts are an excellent choice as they offer a assortment of health benefits, such as enhancing our heart health and brain functions and providing satiety. 
3. A2 Paneer: Unlike regular paneer types in the market, A2 paneer is made from pure and unadulterated A2 cow milk. Along with being extremely healthy and full of essential nutrients, it is also an extremely versatile ingredient that can be prepared into various dishes like paratha, tikka, curries and more. It enters our list of foods to eat and avoid due to its ability to provide a body with essential nourishment, energy, and satiety. 
4. Rock Salt: During the auspicious month of Sawan, devotees are guided to consume rock salt instead of regular table salt. Rock salt, popularly known as sendha Namak, is considered to be pure and free of any additives. Consumption of this salt also leads to many health benefits like digestion, hydration, electrolyte balance, and more. 
5. Fluids: Staying hydrated is indeed a top priority, as fasting can lead to excessive fluid loss in the body. Adding plenty of fluids to our diet is an ideal choice as it will help in maintaining a healthy body temperature, prevent dehydration and flush out all the harmful toxins from our body. One can include coconut water, lemon water, and herbal teas in their Sawan diet.
6. Fruits: Devotees who are fasting should add fresh add organic fruits to their diet. Fruits like pomegranate, muskmelon, and watermelon highly consume during sawan because of their water content, nutritional value, and taste. Fruits are not only extremely delicious but are easily available and versatile as they can be eaten in the form of fruit salad, a standalone snack, or in the form of refreshing juice. 

Foods to Eat and Avoid during Sawan Maas: Foods to Avoid 

In today’s topic of foods to eat and avoid during Sawan, let’s talk about 6 foods to avoid during the auspicious period. 

1. Onion and Garlic: Onion & garlic are considered to be impure or tamasic food types in many Hindu religious traditions, and it is highly avoided during Sawan. It is believed that the consumption of these ingredients can increase our body temperature, stimulate our senses, and causes restlessness. These conditions go against the idea of observing a spiritual focus. 

2. Non-Vegetarian Food Item: The holy month of Sawan is devoted to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Pashupati, Lord of all animals. Devotees avoid the consumption of non-vegetarian food as a mark of respect for the living and also as a means of purifying their minds and body. This practice is also seen as an opportunity to show compassion towards other living beings and to practice self-restraint. 

3. Alcohol: consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited during sawan as it will disrupt our spiritual focus and causes intoxication. Additionally, alcohol also causes dehydration which is contradictory to the need for maintaining a healthy and hydrated body during fasting.

4. Packed Food: As the month of Sawan is all about eating pure and natural food, eliminating the consumption of processed or packed food is a must. These food types contain high amounts of unhealthy fat, additives, and preservatives. They are also an extremely unhealthy choice as they do not provide our body with the nutrients and minerals required to obtain essential energy and hydration level. 

5. Table Salt: As mentioned before, during the month of Sawan, table salt is often replaced with black Or rock salt. Why? Because table salt contains additives like anti-caking agents and iodine, which are considered impure. It is why every meal is prepared with rock salt during the fasting ritual. 

6. Heavy and Spicy Food: Sawan is a period where devotees opt for light meals that are easily digestible. Spicy and heavy foods like overall seasoned dishes and deep-fried snacks can cause high discomfort, heaviness and indigestion. Fasting is a ritual that is associated with purification and simplicity, so eliminating heavy and spicy food can be an ideal choice. 

To Wrap Up

Sawan is a holy period that gives immense significance to dietary practices, as food is believed to be a roadway to purification and spiritual reflection. By focusing on foods to eat and avoid, devotees aim to purify their minds, body, and soul while straightening their divine connection. By following the dietary guidelines and traditions, devotees can find a way to express their love, gratitude and devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi along with enhancing their spiritual pathway. And to help our readers achieve their spiritual peace and goal, we have prepared this article that lays utmost focus on foods to eat and avoid. May the auspicious month of Sawan bring you spiritual growth, abundant blessing, and inner peace.

Read our Article: Sawan Special: 10 Low-calories Foods to Eat during Sawan