logo
What to eat and avoid during the Shravan month

What to eat and avoid during the Shravan month

Time of India06-07-2025
The auspicious month of Shravan is here, marking the beginning of a divine journey of spirituality and sacred fasting. As the monsoon showers set in, devotees of Lord Shiva embark on a path of devotion, seeking blessings through fasting and other rituals.
As devotees observe these sacred rituals, they seek spiritual growth, inner peace, and divine blessings from Lord Shiva.
Known as Chaturmas, this period holds great significance in Hindu culture, kicking off festivities that continue throughout the year. Mondays, or 'Sawan ka Somwar', are particularly holy, with Shravan Somwar Vrat being a revered observance, filled with spiritual significance and promise of peace, happiness, and prosperity.
With faith and devotion, this month becomes a transformative journey for many.
Food you can eat during Somwar Ka Vrat
A well-planned diet is crucial to maintain strength and health throughout the month. Here's a guide to help you make informed choices:
Fruits salad
Rajgira paratha
Sabudana, rajgeera, arrowroot, foxnuts (makhana), and buckwheat
Milk and milk products like curd, buttermilk, paneer, and ghee
Nuts, dates, raisins, and dry fruits
Coconut water
Certain vegetables like sweet potatoes, colocasia (arbi), bottle gourd, and potatoes
Rock salt, black pepper, coriander
What you can avoid during your fast
When observing a fast during the Sawan month, it's essential to avoid certain foods including:
Grains, rice, and lentils
Certain vegetables like onion, garlic, and radish
Spices like hing, asafoetida, red chilli, and turmeric
All types of salt except rock salt
Fenugreek (meethi) and other seeds
Jaggery
Guidelines for a healthy fast
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Eat light, nutritious meals.
Eat fiber-rich food to aid digestion.
Eat healthy sattvic foods that will nourish your body and spirit.
Also read |
Are smoothies a healthy breakfast option? Benefits, drawbacks, and how to make them right
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sawan 2025: 10 Best Foods To Boost Health During Fasting
Sawan 2025: 10 Best Foods To Boost Health During Fasting

NDTV

time4 days ago

  • NDTV

Sawan 2025: 10 Best Foods To Boost Health During Fasting

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a sacred month in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Shiva. It typically falls between July and August and is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices, devotion, and rituals. Many devotees observe fasts on Mondays, known as 'Sawan Somvar,' or throughout the month to seek blessings, purify the mind and body, and strengthen their spiritual connection. While fasting, people often consume light, sattvic (pure and vegetarian) foods that are easy to digest and in line with traditional dietary restrictions. Choosing the right foods can help maintain energy levels, support hydration, and boost overall health while staying aligned with the spiritual essence of the fast. Read on as we share best foods to add to your fasting diet during sawan. 10 Best foods to boost health during fasting in sawan 1. Sabudana Sabudana is a staple during Sawan fasts. It is rich in carbohydrates, making it a quick source of energy. It's also easy to digest and pairs well with peanuts, another fasting favourite. Whether in khichdi or kheer, sabudana helps maintain stamina during long fasting hours. 2. Fruits Fresh fruits are naturally hydrating and packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Bananas offer potassium and energy, apples aid digestion, and papaya supports gut health. Including a fruit salad keeps the body nourished and refreshed. 3. Coconut water Coconut water is a natural electrolyte drink that helps maintain hydration, especially during hot monsoon days when fasting. It's low in calories, refreshing, and excellent for replenishing lost fluids and minerals without breaking the fast. 4. Makhana Makhana is rich in protein, fibre, and essential minerals like magnesium and calcium. Roasted or sautéed in ghee, makhana makes a light yet satisfying snack that helps curb hunger and supports digestive health during fasting hours. 5. Kuttu Kuttu is a common fasting grain that's gluten-free and high in fibre and protein. It keeps you fuller for longer and stabilises energy levels. Kuttu puris or cheelas are commonly consumed and are both filling and nourishing. 6. Rajgira Rajgira is another nutrient-dense fasting grain, rich in calcium, iron, and essential amino acids. It supports bone health and keeps energy levels steady. Rajgira laddoos or porridge make excellent fasting meals. 7. Sweet potato Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, rich in complex carbohydrates, and a good source of fibre, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Boiled or roasted, they provide sustained energy and help in keeping the stomach full. 8. Cucumber Cucumber is light, hydrating, and cooling for the body. It's ideal during Sawan fasting as it combats bloating, aids digestion, and keeps you feeling refreshed. A cucumber salad with rock salt and lemon is simple yet revitalising. 9. Peanuts Peanuts are a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fats. They're filling and help keep blood sugar levels steady. You can consume them roasted, in sabudana khichdi, or ground into a chutney suitable for fasting. 10. Milk and dairy Milk and dairy products are allowed during Sawan fasting and provide high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. A glass of milk, a bowl of curd, or paneer cubes can keep you full and energised while supporting digestion and muscle health. These foods not only comply with traditional Sawan fasting rules but also provide the nutrients needed to stay strong, hydrated, and focused throughout the month of devotion and discipline.

Fasting at work during Sawan? 7 smart tips to stay clear-minded and productive
Fasting at work during Sawan? 7 smart tips to stay clear-minded and productive

India Today

time4 days ago

  • India Today

Fasting at work during Sawan? 7 smart tips to stay clear-minded and productive

Ever find yourself zoning out at your desk during Sawan fasts? You're not alone. Fasting at work during Sawan can challenge even the most devoted thanks to skipped meals, energy dips, and brain fog. But with a few clever tweaks, you can honour your spiritual commitments without sacrificing your this guide, we break down 7 smart, work-friendly strategies to stay mentally alert, physically energised, and emotionally grounded while STAYING PRODUCTIVE DURING SAWAN FASTING MATTERSSawan, the holy month dedicated to Lord Shiva, sees many Hindus observe fasts some on Mondays, others for the full month. But in our fast-paced office culture, skipping meals can affect everything from attention span to mood stability. Whether you're attending meetings or on the field, maintaining clarity and stamina is essential especially when you're juggling faith and full-time CHALLENGES OF FASTING IN THE OFFICELow energy: Skipping lunch often leads to lethargy fog: Lack of glucose can reduce concentration and problem-solving swings: Irritability rises due to hunger and pressure: Colleagues may unintentionally tempt or distract you.7 SMART TIPS TO FAST AND STILL STAY FOCUSED1. Hydrate the right wayStart your day with 2 glasses of water and keep sipping coconut water, lemon water, or mint-infused water throughout.2. Break your fast with brain foodChoose foods rich in magnesium and potassium like bananas, dates, makhana, and soaked almonds to restore energy.3. Plan your meetings post-lunchIf you're breaking your fast mid-day, schedule high-focus tasks after that to sync energy peaks.4. Pack your own satvik snacksHomemade sabudana khichdi, sweet potato, or kuttu roti can keep cravings at bay and save time.5. Avoid fried foods at all costsThey may be 'allowed' but drain energy and worsen fatigue. Stick to steamed, roasted, or boiled options.6. Take micro-breaks and stretchA 5-minute walk every hour can reset focus and keep circulation going key when you're low on calories.7. Don't fast if you feel dizzy or unwellListen to your body. It's okay to skip a fast if your health is at TIPS FROM REGULAR SAWAN FASTERSSet phone reminders to sip water every 30 Tulsi tea at your desk, it's calming and boosts the 'Do Not Disturb' feature during low-energy windows to avoid should I eat before heading to work during Sawan fasts?A mix of protein (like paneer), complex carbs (like sweet potato), and fruit will help sustain you I drink coffee or tea while fasting during Sawan?Yes, but limit intake. Caffeinated drinks can dehydrate you. Opt for herbal teas or coconut water it okay to skip fasting on hectic workdays?Absolutely. Fasting is a personal choice. If work stress or health issues interfere, it's okay to skip or adjust your vrat.- Ends

Shravani Mela: Staff seeking leave face Deoghar admn ire
Shravani Mela: Staff seeking leave face Deoghar admn ire

Time of India

time5 days ago

  • Time of India

Shravani Mela: Staff seeking leave face Deoghar admn ire

Dumka: Prompted by the sudden surge in the number of leave applications from govt employees, including magistrates deployed on Shravani Mela duty, Deoghar deputy commissioner Naman Priyesh Lakra on Sunday directed the chief medical officer (CMO) to form a three-member medical board to determine if the claims of the individuals seeking release are valid or not. He said that the move is to prevent misuse of leave on health grounds at a time when lakhs of people are coming to Deoghar during the Shravan month. He said, "Proper decisions pertaining to leave applications submitted by employees seeking release from the mela duty on health grounds will be taken only after the medical board's decision," he said. He added that those who availed the exemption from the mela duty before July 19 will also have to undergo medical examination before the medical board and submit the certificate, failing which they will be liable for action. Administration requires heavy manpower for smooth conduct of Shravani mela. The crowd turnout surges every Monday considered auspicious during the Shravan month. Since the start of Shravan on July 11, over 8 lakh devotees have so far visited Baidyanathdham temple in Deoghar.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store