Introduction: During the holy month of Sawan, devotees of Lord Shiva observe a sattvik fast, abstaining from certain foods to purify their body and mind. This sattvik diet not only enhances spiritual devotion but also offers numerous health benefits. By avoiding tamasic and rajasic foods, individuals can adhere to the pure fasting ritual and minimize the risk of health issues, especially during the monsoon season. Let’s explore seven food items that should be avoided during Sawan, and the reasons behind these dietary restrictions.

  1. Onions and Garlic: Shunning the Tamasic Elements Onions and garlic, considered tamasic in Ayurvedic traditions, are believed to promote inertia and negativity. They generate heat in the body and can lead to restlessness. To maintain a sattvic diet during Sawan, these ingredients are excluded from meals.
  2. Non-Vegetarian Food: Embracing Compassion and Purity As fasting during Sawan is often associated with a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, non-vegetarian foods like meat, fish, and eggs are commonly avoided. Refraining from consuming animal products is believed to enhance spiritual purity and compassion.
  3. Common Grains: Opting for Fasting-Friendly Alternatives Some individuals choose to abstain from common grains such as wheat, rice, and oats during Sawan. Instead, they opt for fasting-friendly grains like barnyard millet (sama), water chestnut flour (singhara atta), and buckwheat flour (kuttu atta), which are considered lighter and more suitable for fasting practices.
  4. Common Salt: Embracing Purity with Rock Salt During the Sawan fast, regular table salt is replaced with rock salt (sendha namak). Rock salt is unprocessed and free of additives like iodine, making it a purer choice for maintaining a sattvic diet.
  5. Fermented Foods: Avoiding Discomfort during Fasting Fermented foods like idli, dosa, and pickles are typically avoided during Sawan. The fermentation process involves the use of microorganisms and may cause discomfort in the stomach, making them unsuitable for fasting.
  6. Pungent Spices: Keeping Control of Appetite Spices like mustard seeds and asafoetida (hing) are often skipped during fasting due to their strong flavors and appetite-stimulating properties. Avoiding these spices helps in maintaining a simple and controlled diet during the fast.

Conclusion

Observing a sattvik fast during the holy month of Sawan offers numerous spiritual and health benefits. By avoiding tamasic and rajasic foods such as onions, garlic, non-vegetarian items, common grains, common salt, fermented foods, and pungent spices, individuals can stay true to the essence of the fast and experience a sense of purity and devotion. Embracing the sattvik diet not only aligns one’s body with nature but also strengthens the spiritual connection with Lord Shiva during this auspicious time.