The month of Sawan is considered sacred for the worship of Lord Shiva. Most people abstain from non-vegetarian food during this month. Furthermore, some also avoid *tamasic* foods like garlic and onion. Avoiding non-vegetarian food during Sawan – or the monsoon season – is considered scientifically correct, yet few people know the scientific reasons behind it. People often believe that giving up non-vegetarian food is merely a matter of religious belief, but this is not entirely true. Experts say that there is a deep connection between eating non-vegetarian food, weather, digestive system, and the risk of infection.
According to Ayurveda, the digestive fire (gastric fire) becomes weaker during the rainy season, reducing our digestive capacity. Non-vegetarian food takes longer to digest, and a weakened digestive system can lead to a variety of problems. Let’s take a look at the main reasons experts suggest for avoiding non-vegetarian food during the month of Sawan.
**What are the scientific reasons?**
Dietitian Payal Dutt explains that while many people believe that abstaining from non-vegetarian food during the month of Sawan is merely a religious tradition, there are health-related reasons behind it. The month of Sawan falls during the monsoon season, when the air is very humid. If meat, chicken, or fish are not stored or cooked properly during this season, they can spoil quickly, increasing the risk of food poisoning and stomach infections.
She further explains that in the past, when refrigerators weren’t available, avoiding non-vegetarian food during this season was a way to avoid illness. Digestion slows down during the rainy season, making it difficult for many people to digest heavy foods like meat. Therefore, people prefer light and freshly prepared foods during this time. Ayurveda also recommends eating light, fresh, and easily digestible foods during this season.
Experts say that the rainy season is the breeding season for many animals and aquatic creatures. Therefore, limiting the hunting or consumption of these creatures during this time was considered a way to maintain natural balance .
Things to keep in mind:
However, there’s no medical advice that everyone should completely give up non-vegetarian food during the month of Sawan. If you do eat non-vegetarian food, make sure it’s fresh, well-cooked, and hygienically prepared. Food safety is the most important factor for health, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian.