Sawan 2025: Why onion and garlic are not consumed in Shravan month, know the scientific and religious reasons

The month of Sawan is considered very special in Hinduism. It is a period of sadhana, restraint and Shiva devotion. In this month, devotees keep fasts, eat satvik food and remain immersed in the devotion of Lord Shiva. However, as soon as Sawan arrives, many people start wondering whether eating onion and garlic is prohibited at this time. If yes, then what is the reason for this?

Let us know why garlic and onion should not be eaten in Sawan according to popular belief.

Scientific reason

The scientific reason behind this is that it rains a lot in Sawan and poisonous insects come out during this time. Insects can easily hide in green leaves and eating them can make a person sick. This is the reason why eating greens is prohibited in Sawan.

According to many researches, excessive consumption of onion can harm the body. This is why it is advised not to consume garlic for some time. It benefits the body. Not eating garlic and onion in the month of Sawan gives a long life to the body, which makes the body completely detoxified.

Popular belief

It is said in the scriptures that during the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, 14 gems including honey came out. There was a dispute between the gods and demons as to who would drink the nectar. After this, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, confused the demons and started giving nectar to the gods. During this, Rahu secretly changed his disguise and sat among the gods. Since Lord Vishnu could not recognize him as Mohini, he forced him to drink the nectar as well.

Sun recognized Rahu as soon as he drank the nectar and told Lord Vishnu about it. Lord Vishnu was so angry with Rahu's hidden nectar drinking that he immediately took out his Sudarshan Chakra and beheaded him. However, Rahu split into two pieces and did not die due to drinking nectar. In this sense, he called one of his parts Rahu and the other Ketu.

When Rahu's neck was cut, blood started flowing from his body and some drops fell on the ground. Wherever the drops of Rahu's blood fell, garlic started blooming. Garlic, born from nectar, has the ability to cure diseases and increase life span. However, since it is born from demon blood, it has Tamasic properties that promote anger, aggression, distraction and immorality. Therefore, onion and garlic are considered Tamasic and impure.