The month of Sawan is considered very sacred in Hinduism. During this time, the worship of Lord Shiva has special importance and special care is taken from keeping fasts to food. Especially in Sawan, eating some things is prohibited, like curd, green leafy vegetables (saag) and brinjal. People associate it with religious beliefs, but there are scientific reasons behind it, which are related to our health. Let us know why these things are prohibited in Sawan and what science says about it.
Why don’t you eat curd in Sawan?
Curd is considered good for digestion and is consumed to cool the body in summer. But during the time of Sawan, there is a lot of moisture and humidity in the atmosphere, due to which bacteria grow rapidly. In this season, curd turns sour quickly, and harmful bacteria can grow in it. Eating it can cause stomach problems like gas, indigestion, diarrhea and food poisoning. According to Ayurveda, Vata dosha increases in Sawan and consumption of curd can further increase this dosha, which can cause imbalance in the body. Therefore, consuming buttermilk or whey instead of curd is considered more beneficial in this month.
Why are greens not eaten in Sawan?
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard, fenugreek etc. are also avoided in the month of Sawan. The reason for this is that there is more moisture in the soil in this season, which increases the chances of insects in the roots and leaves of vegetables. Apart from this, rain water accumulates in the fields, which can cause fungus and bacteria to grow in vegetables. If such vegetables are not washed properly, it can cause diseases like stomach infection, diarrhea or typhoid. Therefore, both Ayurveda and science recommend that green vegetables should be avoided in Sawan or should be cleaned very well and cooked.
Why is brinjal not eaten in Sawan?
There is a religious belief about brinjal that it is a tamasic food and satvik food is offered to Lord Shiva. Apart from this, brinjal is considered a ‘vegetable that grows in dirt’ because it is cultivated in wet and insect-infested soil. From a scientific point of view, there is a high possibility of insect eggs in brinjal in Sawan, because this vegetable can easily get infected. This is also a reason why eating brinjal in Sawan is prohibited, so that infection can be avoided.
Why do we not eat Kadhi in Sawan?
Eating Kadhi is prohibited in the month of Sawan because it is made from curd, which can increase Vata and Kapha doshas in this season. At this time the digestive power becomes weak, in such a situation sour and heavy things can harm the stomach. Kadhi also gets spoiled quickly which can cause food poisoning or stomach problems. According to religious beliefs, eating satvik and light food in Sawan is considered auspicious. Therefore, it is better to avoid things like curry, curd and greens.
