Sawan Somvar Vrat Food Guide: Fasting Rules, Dos & Don’ts You Should Know

Sawan Somvar holds immense religious importance in the Hindu calendar, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. Observed on Mondays during the holy month of Sawan, the Somvar Vrat is considered a sacred way to seek divine blessings, peace, and fulfilment of personal wishes. While the fast signifies devotion and discipline, it is equally important to nourish the body with the right kind of food. Observing the vrat with sattvik (pure) food choices not only keeps one energised but also aligns with the spiritual essence of the ritual. Here’s a detailed guide on what to eat and avoid during the Sawan Somvar Vrat.

Understanding the Essence of the Sawan Vrat Diet

The food consumed during the Sawan Somvar fast is not just about abstinence but about purification. It is believed that sattvik food supports the body’s energy while helping the mind remain calm and focused on spiritual practices. These foods are light, easy to digest, and free from ingredients considered tamasic (impure or energy-draining), such as onion, garlic, and processed grains. Most devotees either follow a complete fast or opt for a phalahar diet that includes fruits, milk, and vrat-friendly ingredients.

Fruits and Natural Foods That Energise Without Breaking the Fast

Fruits form the foundation of most Sawan Somvar vrat diets. Seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, papaya, pomegranates, and watermelon are commonly eaten. They are hydrating, full of fibre, and provide natural sugars to keep energy levels steady throughout the day. Coconut water and lemon water are excellent choices to stay refreshed. Devotees also consume dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins, either raw or added to milk and dishes.

Milk, curd, and paneer are considered vrat-safe and are rich sources of protein and calcium. A glass of warm milk with cardamom or saffron is a common pre-sunset drink for many who are observing a liquid-based fast.

Flours and Grains Permitted During the Vrat

Regular grains like wheat and rice are avoided during Sawan fasting. Instead, special flours like buckwheat ( kuttu ka atta), water chestnut flour ( singhare ka atta), amaranth ( rajgira), and sago ( sabudana) are used to prepare puris, rotis, and pancakes. These are naturally gluten-free and light on digestion. Sabudana khichdi, made with soaked tapioca pearls, potatoes, and peanuts, is a common vrat delicacy that is both filling and easy to make.

Many people also prepare samak rice ( barnyard millet), which serves as a perfect rice substitute during the vrat. It pairs well with vrat-approved curries made from potatoes or bottle gourd in minimal spices.

Vrat-Specific Dishes That Keep the Fast Fulfilling

Over the years, Indian kitchens have created a rich variety of fasting foods that balance taste and devotion. Some popular Sawan Somvar vrat dishes include:

• Sabudana Khichdi: Light yet satisfying, cooked with peanuts, cumin, and green chillies
  
  
  
• Kuttu ki Puri: Fried flatbread made from buckwheat flour, often served with curd or aloo curry

Rajgira Paratha: Protein-rich flatbreads perfect for a hearty vrat meal

Samak Rice with Aloo Curry: A complete meal substitute with light spices

Sweet Potato Chaat: Topped with lemon juice, rock salt, and roasted cumin

Vrat-friendly Halwa: Made using singhare or kuttu flour with ghee and jaggery

These dishes are not just about taste but also tradition, keeping the body balanced and the spirit focused on worship.

What to Strictly Avoid During the Fast

To maintain the sanctity of the Sawan Somvar vrat, certain ingredients are strictly avoided:

• Common Salt: Replaced with sendha namak (rock salt), which is spiritually and nutritionally preferred
  
  
  
• Wheat, Rice, Lentils and Pulses: Substituted with vrat-approved grains and flours
  
  
  
• Onion and Garlic: Considered tamasic and avoided for their pungent and stimulating properties
  
  
  
• Meat and Eggs: Completely avoided due to their association with violence and non-sattvik energies

Caffeinated Drinks: Strong tea and coffee are often skipped to maintain internal calm

Sticking to these exclusions helps devotees observe the vrat with full dedication and ritual purity.

Balancing Nutrition While Observing Devotion

While the Sawan Somvar vrat is spiritual in nature, it’s important to balance one’s diet to avoid fatigue or weakness, especially for those with health conditions. Including hydrating foods, natural sugars, and light proteins helps sustain energy. Drinking ample fluids and spacing out small meals through the day can also ensure that fasting remains a nourishing rather than draining experience.

With mindful food choices and a devotional heart, the Sawan Somvar vrat can be both spiritually uplifting and physically balanced. The combination of sattvik food, sacred chanting, and Shiva worship makes this observance a deeply personal and purifying journey.