Shravan : Why Many People Go Veg This Holy Month
The holy month of Shravan is here! As the rains fall and prayers fill the air, you might notice a change in the menu. Many of your friends and family may have stopped eating non-vegetarian food.
Have you ever wondered why?
It’s not just one reason. People follow this tradition for a mix of faith, health, and even care for our planet. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
1. For Faith and a Pure Soul
Shravan is a month dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Honoring Lord Shiva: People see Lord Shiva as the greatest yogi. He lives a simple and pure life. To honor him, devotees also try to live simply. They eat clean, vegetarian food to feel pure in their body and mind. This helps them focus better on their prayers.
- Practicing Non-Violence: A key belief in Hinduism is ‘Ahimsa’, which means not harming any living being. During a holy month, people practice this belief more deeply. They choose not to eat meat to show kindness and respect for all animals.
- Eating the Right Food: In yoga, foods have different energies.
- Pure Foods (Sattvic): Fruits and vegetables make you feel light, calm, and focused.
- Heavy Foods (Tamasic): Meat is considered heavy. It can make you feel sleepy and dull.During Shravan, people prefer pure foods. It helps them feel positive and spiritually connected.
2. It’s Good for Your Tummy!
The timing of Shravan during the monsoon is very important. Science and ancient wisdom agree on this.
- Slower Digestion: Our body changes with the weather. During the rainy season, our digestive system slows down. It has a harder time breaking down heavy foods. Meat is heavy. Eating it now can cause stomach problems like gas and indigestion.
- Higher Risk of Sickness: The monsoon is a time when germs spread easily. The water can get contaminated. This means fish and other animals might carry more infections. By avoiding meat, people protect themselves from getting sick from food poisoning or other water-borne diseases.
3. Giving Nature a Break
This tradition also shows great care for the environment.
- It’s Baby Season for Animals: The monsoon is the breeding season for many fish, birds, and other animals. It’s when they have their babies.
- Helping Nature Grow: When we stop eating them for a month, we give them a safe time to reproduce. This helps keep their populations healthy. It’s a natural way to make sure there are enough animals and fish for the future.
A Quick Summary
Here is a simple table to remember the reasons:
| The Reason | What It Simply Means |
| Religious | To honor Lord Shiva and feel pure for prayers. |
| Spiritual | To practice non-violence and eat light food for a clear mind. |
| Health | To help our weak digestion during monsoons and avoid sickness. |
| Environmental | To allow animals and fish to breed safely during their season. |
So, the next time you hear someone is going vegetarian for Shravan, you’ll know the beautiful reasons behind it. It is a personal choice that combines faith with smart, healthy, and kind practices.
