The month of Shravan symbolises fasting, praying and abstinence from non-vegetarian food for the Hindus

For Meena Shinde and her family, the month of Shravan is symbolic with praying and fasting, the reason being simple-it is a month that is dedicated to practicing self restraint and control over all worldly desires and also to worship Lord Shiva for saving the world.

Speaking about the month she says, “The entire month of Shravan is dedicated to performing pujas and various holy rituals not only in our homes but in all traditional Maharashtrian homes. The most important aspect of the festival is the giving up of non-vegetarian food during the month in order to show reverence to Lord Shiva.”

Speaking more about the festival Vasant Gadgil, Sanskrit Scholar from the Bhandarkar Research Oriental Institute (BORI) says, “Shravan month in the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India (in 2009) begins on July 8 and ends on August 6. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, however, the month begins on July 22 and ends on August 20. The legend behind the auspicious month follows that the Samudra Manthan (Churning of Ocean) took place in this month and Lord Shiva drank the HalaHala (poison) to save the world.”

“Another reason for the importance of this month is the fact that festivals like Nag Panchami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Dahi Handi, Gopala Kala, Raksha Bandhan, and Narali Purnima and are also observed in the month. Other rituals in the month include Mahalaksmi Pujan, Varalakshmi Puja and Durva Ganapati Puja. As the month is dedicated to Lord Shiva every Monday there is a special puja held. Other important pujas done during the week include the Mangala Gouri Puja, the Ashvatta Maruti Puja and the Brihaspati Puja,” he adds.

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