Grains, Cereals, and Legumes
During a Somvar vrat, a major dietary restriction involves avoiding most standard grains, cereals, and legumes. This is a fundamental aspect of many Hindu fasts, including the Somvar vrat, where the focus is on consuming lighter, simpler foods. Devotees traditionally abstain from items considered 'anna' or whole grains like wheat, rice, and lentils, which can include products made from them, such as common atta, sooji, and masoor dal. This practice is especially significant during the Sawan month, which coincides with the monsoon season when the body's digestive fire (Agni) is believed to be weaker. Consuming heavy grains is thought to burden the system during this time. To substitute, vrat-friendly flours like kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut), and rajgira (amaranth) are widely used for preparing puris, rotis, and other fasting meals.
Tamasic Foods: Onion and Garlic
Onion and garlic are perhaps the most well-known prohibited foods during Hindu fasts, and the Somvar vrat is no exception. These ingredients are classified as rajasic and tamasic, respectively, meaning they are believed to cause agitation, lethargy, and restlessness. The goal of fasting is to calm the mind and body to focus on spiritual practices, and tamasic foods are thought to interfere with this process. Instead of relying on these flavor-enhancing aromatics, devotees often use alternatives such as ginger, cumin, green chilies, and black pepper to season their food. The emphasis is on preparing meals that are pure, light, and easy to digest, aligning with the principles of a sattvic diet.
Non-Vegetarian Food and Alcohol
Observing a Somvar vrat means abstaining entirely from all non-vegetarian food products. This includes meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. These are strictly forbidden due to their tamasic and spiritually impure nature. Similarly, alcohol, tobacco, and other intoxicants are considered impure and must be avoided. The fast is a period of purification, and consuming these items is thought to disrupt the spiritual sanctity and balance of the mind and body. The focus should be on clean, pure, and spiritually uplifting choices throughout the day.
Processed and Packaged Foods
Modern convenience foods are also prohibited during the Somvar vrat. This includes a wide range of products like packaged snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and sodas. The primary reason is that these items often contain additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, and hidden ingredients that do not adhere to the principles of a pure, sattvic fast. Packaged fruit juices, for example, often contain added sugar and preservatives, which are not considered appropriate. Devotees are encouraged to stick to fresh, natural, and unprocessed ingredients prepared at home to ensure purity.
Regular Table Salt and Certain Vegetables
Common iodized table salt is not used during the Somvar vrat. Instead, devotees must use sendha namak, or rock salt, which is considered a purer, unprocessed alternative. This is an essential rule for preparing all meals during the fast. Furthermore, traditional practices often involve avoiding certain vegetables. Some devotees, especially during the Sawan month, avoid leafy greens (like spinach), brinjal (eggplant), and tomatoes due to a belief that they harbor insects or are more prone to contamination during the rainy season. These are typically replaced with root vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes, and gourds like bottle gourd, which are considered more purifying.
Prohibited vs. Permitted Foods During Somvar Vrat
| Prohibited Food | Reason for Avoidance | Permitted Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Grains (Wheat, Rice, Pulses) | Considered heavy and potentially impure (anna) during fasts. | Fast-Friendly Flours (Kuttu, Rajgira, Singhara), Sabudana, Samak Rice |
| Onion and Garlic | Classified as tamasic, which can cause mental agitation. | Ginger, Cumin, Green Chilies, Black Pepper, Asafoetida (in some traditions) |
| Regular Iodized Salt | Considered processed and not as pure as rock salt. | Sendha Namak (Rock Salt) |
| Non-Vegetarian Food & Eggs | Considered impure and tamasic. | Fruits, Dairy Products (Milk, Paneer, Curd) |
| Processed Snacks & Packaged Foods | Contain additives and preservatives that are not sattvic. | Fresh fruits, homemade snacks, nuts, and dry fruits |
| Alcohol & Tobacco | Intoxicating and considered spiritually impure. | Fresh juices, buttermilk, coconut water |
| Leafy Greens & Brinjal (in some traditions) | Concerns over insects or digestive ease during the rainy season. | Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Bottle Gourd, Raw Bananas |
Creating a Wholesome Somvar Meal Plan
While many foods are restricted, there are numerous nutritious and delicious options available for those observing a Somvar vrat. Devotees can rely on fruits, dairy products like milk, curd, and paneer, and vrat-friendly flours like kuttu and rajgira. Snacks can include roasted makhana (fox nuts) or dry fruits like almonds and cashews. Staying hydrated is also crucial; water, coconut water, and buttermilk are excellent choices. By focusing on these wholesome, sattvic options, one can sustain their energy throughout the day while honoring the fast's spiritual purpose.
Conclusion: The Purpose of Dietary Discipline
Adhering to these dietary restrictions is not merely an act of self-denial but a conscious effort towards spiritual purification. By avoiding specific foods and focusing on a simple, pure diet, devotees aim to quiet the mind, cleanse the body, and foster a deeper connection with Lord Shiva. The discipline of observing what not to eat during Somvar vrat serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual well-being over worldly desires. The essence of the fast lies in the sincerity and devotion with which it is observed, making the mindful selection of food an important part of the ritual.
For further reading on fasting etiquette during Shravan, consider this guide on Times of India.
