Introduction: The holy month of Shravan or Sawan holds immense significance for Lord Shiva devotees, who eagerly engage in fasting and prayer to seek divine blessings. Starting from July 14 this year, Sawan is a spiritually enriching time when devotees fast on Mondays and follow specific guidelines to honor Lord Shiva’s grace. Unmarried girls also observe this fast with the hope of finding a life partner of their choice, while married women often fast for 16 Mondays to ensure marital bliss. If you plan to fast during this auspicious period, here are the essential do’s and don’ts to observe for a fulfilling Sawan in 2023.

Do’s:

  1. Observe the Fast with Devotion: Embrace the Sawan fast with honesty and dedication, wholeheartedly following the prescribed rituals and practices.
  2. Perform Morning Rituals: On the first Monday of the month, rise early, take a purifying bath, and cleanse your home with Gangajal.
  3. Offer Pooja to Lord Shiva: Place Lord Shiva’s idol or picture in the northeast corner of your home and perform the pooja with offerings like Bael Patra, Chandan, Dhatura, Bhaang, and raw cow milk. Conclude the rituals with the Aarti.
  4. Consume Nuts and Fruits: During the fasting period, refrain from starving yourself. Instead, maintain your energy levels by eating nuts and fruits every two hours.
  5. Follow the Alkaline Fasting Diet: While fasting on Mondays during Sawan, stick to an alkaline diet that includes nuts, fruits, dairy products like milk and butter, and selected flours such as Kuttu ka Atta, Singhare ka Atta, or Rajgira ka Atta.
  6. Stay Hydrated: Stay adequately hydrated throughout the day by drinking water, milk, buttermilk, and fresh juices.
  7. Opt for Alkaline Spices and Salt: During the holy month, replace regular table salt with rock salt or sendha namak in your cooking recipes. Also, incorporate alkaline spices like cumin seeds, cinnamon, green cardamom, cloves, black pepper powder, red chilli powder, and black peppercorns.

Dont’s:

  1. Avoid Ketki Flower and Turmeric: Refrain from using ketki flower and turmeric during Lord Shiva worship, as these items are considered inauspicious.
  2. Steer Clear of Certain Foods and Oils: During Sawan, avoid onions, garlic, and certain spices. Additionally, skip foods like mustard oil, masoor dal, brinjal, and sesame oil, as they are not suitable for the vrat.
  3. Abstain from Non-Vegetarian Foods and Alcohol: During the holy month, strictly refrain from consuming meat, eggs, alcohol, or tobacco, as it goes against the principles of the fast.
  4. Skip Full Meals Before Sunset Aarti: If fasting on Monday, avoid consuming a full meal or the last meal before the sandhya aarti or sunset.
  5. Be Wary of Packaged Juices: Avoid packaged juices during the fasting period, as they may contain added salt and preservatives that are not conducive to the vrat.

Conclusion

The month of Sawan presents a unique opportunity for Lord Shiva devotees to deepen their spiritual connection and seek divine blessings. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure a meaningful and blessed Sawan in 2023. Remember to observe the fast with sincerity and faith, and consult knowledgeable religious authorities for any specific queries or guidance. Wishing everyone a spiritually enriching and joyous Sawan!