Foods to Strictly Avoid
During Sawan Somwar vrat, certain foods are considered tamasic or impure and must be completely avoided. These restrictions purify the body and mind, creating the right conditions for spiritual practice and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Grains and Cereals
Strictly Prohibited
- All grains including wheat, rice, and millets
- Lentils (dal) and pulses of all types
- Corn, barley, oats, and semolina
- Products made from grain flour (bread, roti, pasta)
Note: Kuttu (buckwheat) and singhara (water chestnut) flours are exceptions as they are not true grains.
Tamasic Foods
Not Permitted
- Onion, garlic, and mushrooms
- All non-vegetarian food (meat, fish, eggs)
- Regular table salt (iodized salt)
- Packaged and processed foods
- Alcohol, tea, and coffee
Foods Allowed During the Fast
Sawan Somwar vrat permits a variety of sattvic (pure) foods that nourish the body while maintaining the sanctity of the fast. These foods are light, nutritious, and help sustain energy throughout the day.
Fruits and Juices
- All fresh seasonal fruits
- Fresh fruit juices (without additives)
- Coconut water and coconut flesh
- Lemon water with rock salt
- Banana, apple, papaya, pomegranate
Sabudana Preparations
- Sabudana khichdi with peanuts and potato
- Sabudana kheer with milk and sugar
- Sabudana vada (deep-fried fritters)
- Sabudana thalipeeth (flatbread)
Tip: Soak sabudana overnight for best results. Season only with rock salt.
Kuttu and Singhara Flour
- Kuttu (buckwheat) flour rotis or puris
- Singhara (water chestnut) flour dishes
- Rajgira (amaranth) flour preparations
- Sama ke chawal (barnyard millet - vrat variety)
Dairy and Nuts
- Milk, curd, paneer, and butter
- Ghee for cooking and offerings
- Almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios
- Dry fruits including raisins and dates
- Makhana (foxnuts) roasted in ghee
Root Vegetables
- Potatoes (boiled, fried, or in curry)
- Sweet potato (shakarkandi)
- Arbi (colocasia/taro root)
- Raw banana (kachha kela)
- Pumpkin and bottle gourd (lauki)
Important: Cook only with rock salt and permitted spices like cumin, black pepper, and green chillies.
Fasting Levels for Sawan Somwar
Choose the fasting level that suits your health, experience, and devotion. Lord Shiva values sincerity over severity, and all levels of fasting are equally blessed when observed with a pure heart.
Phalahari Fast (Recommended)
ModerateThe most commonly observed level for Sawan Somwar. Sustain yourself with fruits, sabudana preparations, and kuttu flour dishes throughout the day.
✓Allowed
- All fresh fruits and fruit juices
- Sabudana khichdi and preparations
- Kuttu (buckwheat) flour rotis
- Milk, curd, paneer, and ghee
- Nuts, dry fruits, and makhana
- Root vegetables with rock salt
✗Restricted
- All grains, lentils, and cereals
- Regular table salt (iodized)
- Onion, garlic, and mushrooms
- Non-vegetarian food and eggs
Jalahar Fast (Water/Liquids Only)
Very StrictA stricter level where only water and liquids are consumed. Suitable for experienced devotees with good health who wish to deepen their practice.
✓Allowed
- Plain water throughout the day
- Coconut water
- Fresh fruit juices (no additives)
- Lemon water with rock salt
- Warm milk
✗Restricted
- All solid foods
- Tea, coffee, and caffeinated drinks
- Packaged or processed beverages
- Alcohol and intoxicants
Moderate Fast (Light Sattvic Meal)
AccessibleA gentler approach ideal for beginners, elderly devotees, or those with health concerns. Includes one light sattvic meal during the day.
✓Allowed
- One light vrat meal (sabudana/kuttu)
- Fruits and milk as needed
- Water and coconut water freely
- Nuts and dry fruits for energy
✗Restricted
- Grains and regular cereals
- Tamasic foods (onion, garlic)
- Regular salt
- Heavy or fried foods
The Importance of Rock Salt (Sendha Namak)
Why Rock Salt?
Rock salt (sendha namak) is the only salt permitted during Hindu fasts. Unlike regular table salt which undergoes chemical processing, rock salt is a natural mineral salt found in the Himalayan region.
- Purity: It is considered the purest form of salt, untouched by sea water
- Sattvic nature: Classified as sattvic in Ayurveda, promoting clarity and balance
- Tradition: Scriptures specifically permit sendha namak during vrats
- Health benefits: Contains trace minerals and is easier to digest
Permitted Spices
Along with rock salt, these spices and seasonings are allowed during the fast:
- Cumin seeds (jeera) and cumin powder
- Black pepper and black peppercorns
- Green chillies and dried red chillies
- Ginger (fresh or dried)
- Lemon juice for flavoring
- Coriander leaves for garnish
Fasting Timeline: Sunrise to Evening Puja
The Sawan Somwar fast follows a structured timeline that begins at sunrise and concludes after the evening Shiva puja. Following this schedule helps maintain discipline while ensuring proper nourishment and devotion throughout the day.
- 1
Early Morning (Brahma Muhurta)
Wake before sunrise, take a sacred bath, and make a Sankalpa (vow) to observe the Sawan Somwar fast with devotion to Lord Shiva.
- 2
Sunrise - Fast Begins
The fast officially begins at sunrise. From this point, avoid all grains, regular salt, and restricted foods. You may consume fruits, milk, and water.
- 3
Midday Sustenance
If needed, have a light meal of sabudana khichdi, kuttu flour roti with potato curry, or fruits with milk. Use only rock salt (sendha namak) for seasoning.
- 4
Afternoon Devotion
Spend time in prayer, mantra chanting, or reading about Lord Shiva. Avoid heavy physical exertion. Stay hydrated with water, coconut water, or fruit juices.
- 5
Evening Puja and Abhishek
Perform the evening Shiva puja with offerings of bel leaves, Ganga water, milk, and flowers. Recite Shiva Chalisa or Om Namah Shivaya 108 times.
- 6
Break the Fast (After Puja)
After completing the evening worship and aarti, break the fast with prasad first, followed by vrat-friendly foods. Gradually ease into regular eating the next morning.
Hydration and Health Guidelines
Staying Hydrated
Sawan falls during the monsoon season when humidity is high. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining health during the fast, especially if you are observing multiple Mondays.
- Water: Drink plain water throughout the day as needed
- Coconut water: Excellent natural electrolyte replacement
- Fruit juices: Fresh, unsweetened juices are permitted
- Milk: Warm or cold milk provides sustained energy
- Lemon water: With rock salt for rehydration
Health Precautions
While fasting is a spiritual discipline, your health must not be compromised. Lord Shiva values devotion over physical suffering.
- Pregnant or nursing women: May observe a lighter fast with fruits and milk
- Diabetic devotees: Monitor blood sugar levels; modify fast as needed
- Elderly or children: Lighter versions of the fast are perfectly acceptable
- Medication: Continue all prescribed medications as usual
- Feeling unwell: Break the fast if you feel dizzy or faint
Important: The purpose of fasting is to develop self-discipline and devotion, not to endanger health. If you have any medical condition, consult your doctor before undertaking a strict fast. A partial fast with fruits and milk is equally blessed when done with sincere devotion.