One of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, has already begun. And we can’t wait for the rain gods to shower their blessings on us with rains, to save us from the scorching summer heat. The Shravan Maas often falls between July and August of the Gregorian calendar, and this year it begins on July 14 and ends on August 12 with Shravan Purnima. Hindus mark the occasion by worshipping Lord Shiva and praying for his blessings in their life. There are several norms that are followed during the month including certain food restrictions.
Consuming liquor is considered sinful, as it is believed that alcohol introduces negative energy into the body and psyche. Besides onion and garlic too are avoided as they are regarded as hot or tamasic. The month of Shravan is also associated with vegetarian foods as eating non-vegetarian food too is completely prohibited till the time it ends. This norm has been followed by most Hindus for ages. But, have you ever thought, why is eating non-veg food prohibited during this month?
A complete vegetarian diet is preferred during the month of Sawan
If we speak of religious reasons, Hinduism devotes every day of the month to a certain god and thus, the whole month is considered auspicious. Be it Monday, which is for Shiva Puja, Tuesday for Mangala Gauri Puja, or Wednesday for Budh Puja, etc. Besides, several major Hindu festivals - including Teej, Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, etc., fall in Sawan, and so it is said that one should avoid having non-vegetarian food during the holy month of Sawan.
While religious beliefs are to each its own, there are several Ayurvedic as well as scientific reasons too that support the notion of avoiding nonvegetarian food during the monsoon season. Ayurveda explains that Sawan or Shravan is the month when our immunity is at its lowest, which can be severely impacted if we consume non-vegetarian, spicy or oily foods. It can also tamper our digestive system as they are heavy to digest. Ayurveda suggests consuming light foods such as sous, khichdi, and dals that can be easily digested while indulging in soups.
Science, echoing the same school of thought, says that our overall body is too weak for heavy non-vegetarian items. Slower metabolism, weaker digestive system, increased risk of infections and lethargy, are some of the most prime health issues that make our body vulnerable. Consumption of non-vegetarian foods may hamper the entire body cycle and can further cause imbalance in your body that can lead to severe health problems.
Monsoon season also brings with it several water-related diseases born due to water contamination. Since it is the breeding season for aquatics, the time of year when fish and other marine life reproduce, the water becomes severely polluted. Consuming seafood during the season thereby raises the risk of contracting water-borne illnesses such diarrhoea, jaundice, and typhoid. The breeding season is also the reason why one should avoid seafood, as the aquatic organisms typically have eggs inside of them. Humans shouldn’t swallow these eggs directly because they are unhealthy. Additionally, it may result in food poisoning or a gastrointestinal infection. Thus, experts always suggest avoiding seafood during the monsoon season. If you are wondering what all you can eat during the month of Sawan, we’ve got you covered. From dry fruits and nuts, fruits and sabudana to potato and curd, one has an ample number of ingredients to choose from.
