WHAT TO EAT DURING SAWAN SOMWAR VRAT?

In India, Sawan is considered an auspicious month. As per the Hindu calendar, it is the fifth month after Ashadh. This year (2022), Sawan began on the 14th of July and ended on the 12th of August. Let us learn more about the significance of this month and the Sawan fasting foods to be included during the Sawan Vrat.

Importance of Sawan Somvar Vrat in Indian Culture

Sawan is considered very important by the devotees of Lord Shiva. They observe the Shravan Somvar Vrat every Monday to appease Lord Shiva and seek His blessings. Some devotees fast every Monday of this month. Unmarried girls observe this fast to get a good life partner, and many married women observe the fast for 16 Mondays for a happy married life.

Dos and Don'ts During the Holy Month of Sawan

Here are some dos and don'ts to help you follow the Vrat correctly.

Dos:

•To begin with, you must pledge to observe the Vrat and its related rituals religiously every Monday of this month.

• You should wake up early, take a bath, clean the house, and sprinkle the holy Gangajal. Next, you must place an idol or an image of Lord Shiva in the northeast direction of your house.

• Once you have placed Lord Shiva's idol, you must perform the aarti. The Pooja essentials must include

• Water
• Curd
• Milk
• Ghee
• Honey
• Sugar
• The Panchamrti Vastra
• Janeyu
• Sandalwood
• Raw rice
• Flowers
• Bel Patra
• Bhaang
• Dhatoora
• Kamal Gatta
• Prasad
• Paan-supari
• Laung or clove
• Elaichi
• Mewa
• Dakshina

• Once you have decided to follow the Shravan Somvar Vrat, you must eat the Sawan fasting food in the evening, only after the Sandhya aarti.

• Use sendha namak or rock salt instead of regular salt.

• Drink water, milk, buttermilk, or homemade juices to stay hydrated.

• Do not starve yourself. Keep eating nuts, fruits, and dry fruits every couple of hours to avoid exhaustion.

Don'ts:

• Do not use turmeric, ketki flowers, and tulsi leaves for worshipping Lord Shiva.

• During this holy month, do not consume non-vegetarian food, tobacco, or alcohol.

• Avoid packaged juices as they contain salt and preservatives.

6 Foods to Eat During the Sawan Somvar Vrat

Here's a list of what to eat in Sawan fast:

1. Fruits

You can eat seasonal fruits as they are rich in fiber, folate, vitamin C, and potassium, which will keep you energetic throughout the day. You can also eat dry fruits, such as makhana, cashew nuts, almonds, and raisins for energy.

2. Sabudana

Sabudana is an important part of Sawan fasting foods. It is a rich source of energy and can be used to prepare a variety of recipes, such as khichdi, vada, kheer, or crispy fries.

3. Flour

Avoid using wheat flour and use only rajgira (amaranth), kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut), or millet flour. Prepare your favorite Sawan fasting foods, such as thalipeeth, puri, or Tikki using these flours and serve these with curd or potato curry.

4. Vegetables

Vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, and bottle gourd can be consumed during the Shravan Somvar Vrat.

5. Dairy Products

Milk, buttermilk, curd, paneer, or sweet lassi are some of the Sawan fasting foods to consume during your Somvar Vrat. Do avoid cheese or any other salty dairy foods.

6. Sendha Namak

Sendha namak or rock salt is considered pure as compared to regular salt. Therefore, use only sendha namak to prepare your Sawan fasting foods.

What Foods to Avoid During Sawan Somvar Vrat?

Now that you know what to eat in Sawan fast, check out the foods to avoid during the Vrat. Tamsik foods are not considered Sawan fasting foods as these are harmful to the mind and body. Foods such as non-vegetarian foods, onions, garlic, brinjal, masoor dal, and alcohol must be strictly avoided. Besides these, grains, rice, and lentils must also be avoided during Sawan. 

Now that you know about the do’s and don’ts of Sawan Vrat, you will be able to perform the rituals as required and fast effectively as an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and seek his blessings!