Beer And Sawan: A Cultural Perspective

The Hindu holy month of Shravan, also known as Sawan or Savan, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It usually falls between July and August in the Gregorian calendar. During this month, devotees observe fasting every Monday, and it is believed that Lord Shiva will grant the wishes of those who fast. It is considered sinful to drink alcohol during Sawan due to the negative energy it introduces to the body and psyche. Therefore, devotees are advised to refrain from drinking alcohol throughout the month.

Drinking alcohol during Sawan is considered sinful due to the negative energy it introduces to the body and psyche

Sawan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It usually falls between July and August of the Gregorian calendar. During this holy month, devotees observe fasting every Monday, and it is believed that Lord Shiva will grant their wishes.

Non-vegetarian food items are also not advised during Sawan. This is because eating meat, chicken, eggs, and fish implies the death and consumption of living things. In addition, Hindu scriptures consider brinjal to be impure and inauspicious for religious and spiritual occasions. Therefore, devotees are advised to refrain from consuming it during the holy month.

Other foods to be avoided include coriander powder, red chilli powder, table salt, and spices other than senda namak. Devotees are also advised to boil milk before consuming it during Sawan, as raw milk is said to cause Vata Dosha in the body, increasing bile content.

Observing fasts on Mondays during Sawan is believed to result in Lord Shiva granting the devotee's wishes

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a highly auspicious month in the Hindu calendar. Devotees observe fasts, particularly on Mondays, known as Sawan Somwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Fasting during this period is believed to bring spiritual growth and blessings, and it is said that Lord Shiva will grant the wishes of devotees who observe these fasts.

Rules of Fasting During Sawan

The rules of fasting during Sawan Somwar include:

• Only one meal is consumed during the day, usually after sunset, and it often consists of simple, non-grain foods like fruits, nuts, and dairy.
• Drinking water is generally allowed to stay hydrated, but some people may choose to avoid it.
• The meal should consist of sattvic foods, avoiding non-vegetarian items, garlic, and onions.
• Foods like rice, wheat, and legumes are avoided. Instead, flours like buckwheat (kuttu) or water chestnut (singhara) are used.
• Regular salt should be replaced with rock salt (sendha namak).
• Abstain from indulgent behaviors such as consuming alcohol, smoking, or engaging in marital relations.
• Engage in prayers, meditation, and reading religious texts, especially those related to Lord Shiva.
• Perform rituals such as offering milk, water, and bel leaves to the Shiva Linga and reciting Shiva chants and mantras.
• Perform charitable acts and donations, especially to Brahmins or those in need as an act of devotion.

Foods to Eat and Avoid During the Sawan Somwar Fast

It is essential to follow a proper diet during the Sawan Somwar fast to maintain health and energy. Here are some foods that can be consumed and some that should be avoided:

Foods to Eat:

• Fruits: Bananas, apples, oranges, papayas, and melons are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, aiding digestion and providing energy.
• Dairy Products: Milk, yoghurt, paneer, and buttermilk are excellent sources of protein and calcium, keeping the stomach full and providing necessary nutrients.
• Sabudana: It is a rich source of carbohydrates and provides instant energy. Sabudana khichdi is a popular dish during fasting.
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are excellent snack options, providing sustained energy and curbing hunger.
• Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: These are versatile and can be prepared in various ways, providing carbohydrates and energy.
• Buckwheat Flour (Kuttu Ka Atta): It is gluten-free and rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Buckwheat chapatis or pancakes can be made to keep meals nutritious and filling.
• Samak Rice: This millet is light and easy to digest, making it a good alternative to regular rice during fasting.

Foods to Avoid:

• Grains and Cereals: All grains and cereals, including wheat, rice, oats, and barley, are to be avoided.
• Non-Vegetarian Food: Meat, fish, and eggs are strictly prohibited, and the focus is on a vegetarian diet to maintain purity and spiritual discipline.
• Regular Salt: Regular table salt is avoided, and sendha namak (rock salt) is used instead as it is pure and unprocessed.
• Processed and Packaged Foods: These often contain preservatives and additives, so it is best to stick to natural and fresh ingredients.
• Garlic and Onions: These are believed to generate heat and are considered tamasic (inducing lethargy), so they are typically avoided during fasting.
• Legumes and Lentils: Including beans, chickpeas, and peas, are replaced with lighter alternatives like potatoes and tapioca pearls.
• Alcohol and Caffeine: These can dehydrate the body and are not conducive to the fasting regimen.
• Certain Vegetables: Tomatoes, brinjals (eggplants), and leafy greens are avoided, and root vegetables that are easy to digest and provide ample energy are preferred.

Non-vegetarian foods, including meat, chicken, eggs, and fish, are not advised during Sawan due to the implication of death and consumption of living beings

The month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered a holy month in the Hindu calendar. During this month, devotees observe fasting every Monday and offer Bael Patra, Cow Milk, Dhatura, Bhaang, and Chandan to Lord Shiva.

As part of the religious observances, there are certain dietary restrictions that are advised and followed by devotees. One of the key restrictions is on the consumption of non-vegetarian foods, including meat, chicken, eggs, and fish. This restriction is rooted in the idea of avoiding the implication of death and the consumption of living beings.

The avoidance of non-vegetarian foods during Sawan is based on the belief that consuming these foods involves taking the life of another being. In the context of the month dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is considered important to respect and honor all life. By abstaining from meat, chicken, eggs, and fish, devotees demonstrate their devotion to Lord Shiva and their commitment to non-violence and compassion.

Additionally, the consumption of meat is associated with Lord Shiva's slumber during this month. As per Hindu beliefs, Lord Shiva takes on the responsibilities of Lord Vishnu during his period of rest, and it is advised to avoid all Tamasik things, which include eating meat and consuming alcohol.

The restriction on non-vegetarian foods during Sawan is, therefore, a way for devotees to show their respect for Lord Shiva, practice self-discipline, and connect with the spiritual and devotional aspects of the holy month. It is a time for them to focus on their faith and reflect on the value of all life.

Apart from non-vegetarian foods, there are other dietary restrictions during Sawan, such as the avoidance of onion, garlic, mustard oil, masoor dal, brinjal, and sesame oil. Devotees are also encouraged to consume an alkaline diet during their fasts, which includes nuts, fruits, dairy products, and selected flours like kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) and singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour).

Consumption of certain vegetables, such as onion, garlic, and brinjal, is avoided for a satvik meal as they are considered hot or tamasic

The month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered a holy month in the Hindu calendar. During this month, devotees observe fasting every Monday and offer prayers and specific foods to Lord Shiva.

The Sawan month also comes with certain food restrictions. Consumption of meat, egg, alcohol, and tobacco is prohibited during this month. In addition, the consumption of certain vegetables, such as onion, garlic, and brinjal, is also avoided.

These vegetables are considered 'hot' or tamasic and are believed to increase weakness and laziness. In Ayurveda, a medicinal system that originated in India, foods are classified into three categories: sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic. The word 'sattvic' means 'pure essence', and these foods are thought to offer calmness, happiness, and mental clarity. Rajasic foods are described as overly stimulating, while tamasic foods, such as onion, garlic, and brinjal, are believed to have negative effects on the body and mind.

A satvik meal is one that is freshly prepared and includes a balance of the six taste components: spice, sweet, salt, sour, pungent, and astringent. It is believed that eating a satvik meal can increase energy, happiness, calmness, and mental clarity. Therefore, the consumption of certain vegetables, such as onion, garlic, and brinjal, is avoided during the holy month of Sawan as they are considered to be tamasic and are believed to have negative effects on the observer.

Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and devotees offer bael patra, cow milk, dhatura, bhaang, and chandan during this month

Sawan, the fifth month in the Hindu calendar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a holy month during which devotees observe fasting every Monday and make offerings to Lord Shiva. The month is considered an auspicious time to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

During Sawan, devotees offer various items to Lord Shiva, including bael patra, cow milk, dhatura, bhaang, and chandan. These offerings are believed to be sacred and hold special significance in the Hindu religion.

Bael patra, or the leaves of the bael tree, are considered sacred and are used to worship Lord Shiva. It is believed that offering bael patra purifies the devotee's heart and soul and brings Lord Shiva's blessings. Devotees are advised to offer between 3 to 11 bael patra leaves to the Shivling during Sawan.

Cow milk is another important offering during Sawan. Milk is believed to have a cooling effect on the Shivling, symbolising a gesture of gratitude and devotion towards Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva drank the poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save the world. Offering cold milk is seen as a way to soothe his burning throat. Milk is also associated with prosperity and good health, and devotees believe that offering milk to Lord Shiva will help them get rid of health-related problems and diseases.

Dhatura is also offered to Lord Shiva during Sawan, although there is limited information available on the specific significance of this offering.

Bhaang, made from cannabis leaves, is considered the most beloved offering to Lord Shiva. It is believed that offering bhaang leaves or paste onto the Shivling discards negativity and evil presence from one's life.

Chandan, or sandalwood paste, is offered to Lord Shiva during Sawan as it is believed to have a calming effect on his intense energy. Sandalwood is soothing and aromatic, and offering it to the Shivling is seen as a way to cool down Lord Shiva's rage and anger.

In addition to these offerings, devotees also perform pooja and observe fasts during Sawan to seek Lord Shiva's blessings and fulfil their wishes.

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