The month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed with great devotion across India. Many devotees choose to fast on Mondays, called Shravan Somwar, while others follow a more extended diet restriction throughout the month. Fasting during this time is not just about skipping meals; it is about spiritual cleansing, mental clarity, and physical discipline. However, in order to maintain the purity and purpose of the fast, it is important to avoid certain foods that are considered heavy, impure, or against the fasting norms.
Avoid Non-Vegetarian Foods Completely
During the holy month of Shravan, consuming meat, fish, or eggs is strictly avoided. These foods are considered tamasic in nature, which means they can disturb the mind, increase restlessness, and distract one from spiritual practices. Since Shravan is all about self-control and connecting with divine energies, abstaining from animal-based foods is seen as an essential step toward purity. Even those who are not strictly vegetarian throughout the year make a conscious effort to avoid non-vegetarian foods during this month.
Say No to Onion and Garlic
Onion and garlic, though widely used in Indian cuisine, are not allowed in satvik diets. They are believed to generate heat and stimulate desire, which contradicts the calm and spiritual nature of fasting. During Shravan, meals are expected to be light, cooling, and spiritually uplifting. Instead of using onion and garlic, people opt for spices like cumin, ginger, rock salt, and green chili to enhance the taste of their food without compromising the sattvic quality.
Avoid Regular Salt
One of the strictest yet often overlooked rules of Shravan fasting is avoiding regular iodized salt. Instead, sendha namak, or rock salt, is used in all vrat recipes. Regular salt is considered too harsh and is believed to disturb the balance of the body's energies. Rock salt, on the other hand, is cooling, purifying, and easier on the digestive system. It is also mineral-rich, making it a better alternative for fasting days.
Avoid Grains and Pulses
Grains like wheat, rice, barley, and pulses such as lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans are not consumed during fasting. These are considered heavy to digest and not suitable for the light diet that fasting demands. Instead of grains, people opt for substitutes like sabudana (tapioca pearls), kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut flour), and rajgira (amaranth), which are easier to digest and keep the body energized without feeling sluggish.
Stay Away from Processed and Packaged Foods
Fasting is a time to eat fresh, clean, and home-prepared food. Processed or packaged foods, including chips, ready-to-eat snacks, sugary drinks, and frozen items, are best avoided. These often contain hidden preservatives, artificial flavors, and ingredients like onion or garlic powder that may go unnoticed. Moreover, they are low in nutritional value and don’t support the spiritual and physical goal of fasting. Eating fresh fruits, homemade vrat recipes, and natural drinks like coconut water or lemon juice is a healthier and more mindful choice.
Avoid Aerated and Caffeinated Drinks
While staying hydrated is important during fasting, drinks like colas, packaged juices, and strong caffeinated beverages such as coffee should be avoided. These beverages can cause acidity, dehydration, and energy crashes. Instead, herbal teas, plain water, and naturally hydrating options like buttermilk or cucumber water are recommended. They help detoxify the body and keep you cool throughout the day.
Shravan is not just a religious observance but a holistic approach to body and soul cleansing. By consciously avoiding non-vegetarian foods, grains, pulses, onion, garlic, and processed items, you create space for a more mindful, peaceful, and health-focused experience. It is a time to simplify your diet, focus on inner growth, and draw strength from purity. Following these food restrictions with dedication can help you stay aligned with the spirit of Shravan and enjoy its many spiritual and physical benefits.
