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Sawan falls within the Chaturmas period, during which ceremonies like marriages, Mundan Sanskar, and Griha Pravesh are considered inauspicious and are best avoided
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sawan also known as month of Shravan will begin on Friday, July 11 and end on August 9. (News18 Hindi)
The month of Sawan holds special significance in Hinduism and Indian culture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sawan also known as month of Shravan will begin on Friday, July 11 and end on August 9. Throughout this sacred month, devotees engage in special worship, fasting, and religious rituals.
According to the Shiva Purana, offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during this time helps one overcome sorrow and suffering and brings the fulfilment of wishes. However, there are certain actions that, as per tradition and religious beliefs, should be avoided during Sawan.
As per astrology, Sawan falls during the Chaturmas period, a time considered inauspicious for certain ceremonies. Important events like marriages, Mundan Sanskar (child’s first haircut), and Griha Pravesh (housewarming) should not be conducted during this month. It is advisable to complete such auspicious ceremonies before the onset of Sawan, as success is believed to be less likely during this time.
- The entire month is deeply religious, and the combination of the moon’s position with ‘Som‘ days is said to enhance Lord Shiva’s influence. It is considered inauspicious to cut nails, beards, moustaches, or hair during Sawan. Physical beautification and external grooming should be avoided, as they may disturb one’s energy balance. The focus is on inner purity and mental peace.
- Beginning new ventures, such as purchasing a new house, vehicle, or property, or starting a business, is discouraged during this month. Such activities may yield unfavourable outcomes. Sawan, especially during Chaturmas, is a time for reflection, not expansion.
- Households that consume garlic, onion, or other tamasic (impure) foods are advised to remove these items before Sawan begins. Meat, eggs, and alcohol should be strictly avoided during this period. Sawan promotes sattvik (pure) living and discipline. Eating non-vegetarian food or consuming intoxicants is believed to pollute both body and mind, which can hinder the spiritual benefits of prayer and rituals.
- The use of bronze utensils is also discouraged during this time. It is advised to store away such utensils and use steel ones instead, as they are considered more appropriate for the season.
- Applying oil to the body is also considered inauspicious during Sawan.
- One should be especially careful while worshipping Lord Shiva during this month. Items such as Tulsi (holy basil), Ketaki flowers, turmeric, and kumkum (vermilion) should not be offered to the Shivling.
- It is recommended to avoid sleeping on cushioned beds; sleeping on the floor is thought to bring good fortune. Waking up late, staying up too late at night, or sleeping during the day are also discouraged.
- Certain foods should be avoided during Sawan for health and spiritual reasons. These include leafy vegetables like spinach, oily and spicy foods, radish, brinjal, jaggery, raw milk, curries, honey, and sugar. These foods are believed to contribute to seasonal illnesses. Celibacy is also traditionally observed during this time.
- If someone comes to your doorstep during the month of Sawan, do not turn them away. Hospitality and compassion are key values to uphold throughout this holy month.
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