The auspicious month of Sawan, dedicated entirely to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is commencing from Friday, 11th July 2025, and will conclude on 9th August. This sacred period holds deep spiritual importance in Hindu traditions, marked by fasts, rituals, and heightened religious devotion. However, certain actions and lifestyle choices are strictly forbidden during Sawan, as they are believed to obstruct spiritual growth and nullify the effects of the month’s worship. Below, we detail the essential tasks to complete before 11th July and highlight the acts that should be strictly avoided during Sawan to gain divine blessings and avoid spiritual setbacks.
🚫 Forbidden Activities During Sawan Month
1. Do Not Perform Auspicious Ceremonies
In the Sawan month, Chaturmas begins—a period considered spiritually intense but unsuitable for mangal karya (auspicious events). Activities such as:
Weddings
Mundan Sanskar (head tonsuring ceremony)
Griha Pravesh (housewarming rituals)
…should be strictly avoided. Astrologically, this is a period of cosmic rest, and carrying out sacred rituals may not yield favorable outcomes. Complete these events before 11th July, as conducting them during Sawan may lead to unsuccessful or delayed results.
2. Avoid Cutting Hair, Beard, and Nails
Sawan is a time to maintain spiritual discipline and physical purity. Hence, it is recommended to refrain from:
Trimming nails
Shaving beard or moustache
Haircuts of any kind
These acts are believed to disrupt the body’s energy field and interfere with inner peace. Maintain a natural, unaltered form to honor the sanctity of the month.
3. Do Not Start New Ventures or Investments
Refrain from making major life decisions or starting new ventures, such as:
Buying a new house or vehicle
Starting a business
Real estate investments
The cosmic alignment during Chaturmas does not support material pursuits. Engaging in such activities could lead to delays, losses, or long-term challenges. Plan such events well before 11th July to ensure positive outcomes.
4. Eliminate Tamasic Foods from Your Home
Sawan emphasizes Satvik living, where purity in food and thought is vital. Completely avoid and remove:
Garlic and onions
Meat, fish, eggs
Alcohol and other intoxicants
These items pollute the body and mind, breaking the chain of devotion. Keeping them in the house can neutralize the benefits of Sawan puja.
5. Do Not Use Bronze Utensils
In the month of Sawan, it is advised to avoid eating in bronze utensils, which are considered impure for this period. Instead:
Switch to steel or silver utensils
Clean and store bronze items before 11th July
This practice is rooted in both Ayurveda and Vedic customs, helping maintain inner and outer cleanliness.
6. Skip Oily, Leafy, and Spicy Foods
The rainy season affects digestion and immunity, making certain foods hazardous. Avoid:
Leafy vegetables like spinach and mustard greens
Oily and spicy dishes
Radish, brinjal (eggplant), jaggery, raw milk, and honey
These foods are considered unhealthy and spiritually impure during Sawan. Their consumption may lead to illness, mental fatigue, and disruption in spiritual focus.
7. Avoid Applying Oil and External Beautification
Sawan is a time of detachment from physical indulgence. It is advised not to:
Apply oil on the body
Indulge in facials, make-up, or excessive grooming
Physical simplicity brings mental clarity, aligning with Lord Shiva’s ascetic nature.
✅ Sacred Lifestyle and Worship Guidelines for Sawan
1. Follow a Strict Satvik Diet
Opt for a pure vegetarian diet, rich in:
Fruits
Milk and dairy products
Seasonal, non-leafy vegetables
Whole grains
This keeps the body light and the mind elevated, ensuring maximum spiritual receptivity.
2. Wake Up Early and Avoid Daytime Sleep
Discipline your daily routine by:
Waking before sunrise
Avoiding daytime naps
Sleeping on the floor, if possible
Avoid luxurious living during Sawan to enhance your spiritual austerity.
3. Do Not Offer Forbidden Items to Lord Shiva
During Shiva worship, avoid the following offerings, which are religiously prohibited:
Tulsi leaves
Ketaki flowers
Turmeric and Kumkum
Instead, offer:
Bel Patra (Bilva leaves)
White flowers
Raw milk and Gangajal
Ensure rituals are performed with utmost purity and adherence to scriptural guidelines.
4. Maintain Brahmacharya and Restraint
Celibacy and restraint in thoughts, speech, and actions are encouraged. Refrain from:
Engaging in sexual activity
Speaking harshly or lying
Unnecessary socializing
This discipline allows the devotee to remain centered and spiritually elevated during the holy month.
5. Show Compassion and Charity
If someone knocks at your door during Sawan, never send them away empty-handed. Acts of kindness such as:
Offering food and water
Donating clothes or essentials
Feeding cows, dogs, or birds
…bring immense spiritual rewards and are seen as service to Lord Shiva himself.
🛑 Final Checklist: Complete These Before 11th July
Before the month of Sawan begins, make sure to:
Complete all auspicious rituals
Trim nails, hair, and beard
Finish purchases of house, vehicle, or assets
Clean out tamasic foods and utensils
Stock up on satvik essentials
Mentally prepare for a month of spiritual discipline
🌿 Sawan – A Path to Moksha through Devotion and Discipline
Sawan is not merely a month on the calendar—it is a sacred opportunity to align with the divine, purge inner negativity, and experience spiritual rejuvenation. By following these essential guidelines and avoiding the prohibited acts, we honor the cosmic rhythm of nature and bring ourselves closer to Lord Shiva’s infinite blessings.
Let us prepare our homes, minds, and hearts before 11th July, and step into the most powerful spiritual month of the year with devotion, purity, and discipline.
