What they did not tell you about Shravan..

Its Shravan/Sawan and its auspicious to many people. Parents and Grandparents will tell us to fast on Mondays and worship Lord Shiva. They will tell us to avoid meat consumption and go for fruits and vegetables more. Also at some houses they follow 'No Shaving Shravan'. Well, these are the traditions to follow and we do. Most of the times without asking why and when asked why, we were told of the story of 'The Great Samudra Manthan'. Alternatively, the story that Shravan month is the month Nakshatra of Lord Shiva's birth and he is available for all the blessings and hence we should worship him.

All these answers don't reason with my atheist thinking. But also, I like to follow most of the traditions. (P.S. - being atheist does not mean not being religious) And observing my anatomic functions during Shravan over these years and the help that fasting did, made me research for the reasons. After all, there are some scientific basis for the traditions followed, over the years. Here we go..

What your old people did not tell you is that:

1. Why to restrict the diet?????

Monsoon is at its early peak during this season and a shift from summers heat to cold weather proping in. Our bodies are weak during this time and immunity is low. Also, there are chances of cholera and other water borne diseases. Hence, we are advised to stay away from meat and unhealthy foods. Eating the freshly picked vegetables also means eating healthy and seasonal items which will nourish your bodies.

Fasting is to ensure that your body is reset, once every 7 days. Fasting allows the body to digest the 'satvic' foods with less energy and concentrate on other functions. Usually the energy used to digest the 'designer foods' steals away the energy which should be used for other functions.

Shravan is followed by many festivals and to prepare the body for scrumptious feasts, fasting is done.

2. Fasting. .yes. But why on Mondays and for Lord Shiva????

During rainy season, the soil is water logged and the slithery animals do not find it convenient to hide therein. Hence are normally on the land, in the vicinity of harmful animals (humans). And it is believed that snakes are the animals of Lord Shiva. We have Nag Panchami during this period. Because to save the fauna and to maintain the sanity of humans themselves (not to panic and fear after seeing a snake) it is said that Lord Shiva is in the mood to give blessing through snakes. And hence the worship.

Mondays have a different mythical story. To tell in short, we have many deities and we have worship them all. Hence assigned a day to each of them.

3. What about 'No Shave Shravan'?

Well.. Its rainy reason and blades are made of steel and prone to rusting. If it cuts the skin, it was harmful. But, now we have trimmers, so if you wish to not follow this, we understand!

4. Why are brinjals and milk avoided?

Shravan is season of increasing biodiversity including bacteria and fungus. Brinjals are diseased during this season and hence are avoided.

Since our digestive system is weak during this time, acidic foods which includes milk and milk products are kept at bay.

In all, the logic behind auspicious Shravan of India to maintain good health and spirits in the times of dull rainy season. Many people go trekking too.. say it be Vaishnau Devi yatra, Amarnath Yarta, Panchmarhi, or Pandharpur Wari during this times.

So, enjoy the Shravan. Happy fasting.

P.S.: Views expressed are personal. There is no intention of harming any religion or sect.