Sawan 2023: Date And Significance And 5 Genius Ways To Stay Healthy And Hydrated While Fasting

With the monsoon season finally bringing respite from the summer distress, we have found multiple reasons to get into a festive mood. The holy month of Sawan is almost here, and people from across the country are gearing up to mark it with much enthusiasm. 'Sawan', also referred to as 'Shravan maas', is the fifth month according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and devotees observe fasts, offer pujas and perform various rituals, especially on Mondays. It is also called 'Sawan ka Somwar'. Usually, there are four to five somwars (Mondays) in the entire month when scores of devotees throng temples and offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. However, the days may extend as per the calendar.

Sawan 2023: When Does The Month Of Sawan Begin? How Many Sawan Somwars This Year?

This year, Sawan begins on July 4, 2023, and will last till August 31, 2023. Throughout this period, devotees will be seen worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for prosperity, wealth, marriage, and success.

• Sawan 2023 Begins: July 4, 2023, Tuesday
• First Sawan Somwar Vrat: July 10, 2023, Monday
• Second Sawan Somwar Vrat: July 17, 2023, Monday
• Sawan Adhika Maas Starts: July 18, 2023, Tuesday
• Third Sawan Somwar Vrat: July 24, 2023, Monday
• Fourth Sawan Somwar Vrat: July 31, 2023, Monday
• Fifth Sawan Somwar Vrat: August 7, 2023, Monday
• Sixth Sawan Somwar Vrat: August 14, 2023, Monday
• Shravan Adhika Maas Ends: August 16, 2023, Wednesday
• Seventh Sawan Somwar Vrat: August 21, 2023, Monday
• Eighth Sawan Somwar Vrat: August 28, 2023, Monday
• Sawan 2023 Ends: August 31, 2023, Thursday

(Source: www.drikpanchang.com)
Also Read: 5 Delicious Vrat Recipes That You Can Make Under 30 Minutes

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Sawan 2023: What Is The Significance Of Sawan Vrat?

The entire month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, with devotees observing fasts and offering prayers to the deities. People also indulge in light sattvik food in Sawan to cleanse their body and soul. According to www.drikpanchang.com, "All Mondays or Somwar(s) that fall during the Shravan month are considered highly auspicious for fasting and known as Shravan Somwar or Sawan Somwar Vrats," adding, "All Tuesdays or Mangalwar in the Shravan month are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva." It is also called Mangal Gauri Vrat.

Sawan Vrat 2023: 5 Easy Tips To Stay Healthy And Hydrated While Fasting:

To maintain the festive vibe and enjoy Sawan ka Mahina, it is equally important to stay healthy and well-hydrated. Considering this, we bring you foolproof hacks to stay healthy, devoted, and stress-free while observing fasts.

1. Keep Drinking Water:

While fasting restricts you from eating and drinking a range of foods, you can always compensate for it with plenty of water, juice, and hydrating fruits. Maintaining your body's water levels will help you stay energetic and prevent bloating or unwanted gas formation in the stomach.

2. Avoid Excessive Snacking:

During this period, you will find various vrat-friendly snacks available in the market. While we understand that these foods look appetizing, try to avoid excessive snacking. This can lead to fat accumulation in the body and disrupt metabolism. Instead, keep yourself hydrated and munch on healthy fruits at regular intervals to stay healthy throughout.

3. Control the Portion Size of Your Meals:

This is a common problem for many of us. While breaking the fast, we end up eating more than usual. What we fail to realize is that doing this may leave you with indigestion, heartburn, and other health problems. We suggest starting with a small portion of food and being mindful of what you are adding to your plate. And yes, listen to your body's signals of fullness.

4. Include Fiber, Protein, and Good Fats in Your Vrat Meal:

Scientifically, fasting helps create a balance in your body, but only when you compensate for it with a nutritious meal at the end. It is advised to follow the same during religious vrats as well. Choose your vrat-friendly ingredients and recipes wisely and plan your meal accordingly. Make sure you have all macro-nutrients on your plate when breaking the fast.

5. Stay Active While Fasting:

We tend to work less while fasting, thinking it might lead to excessive hunger. But the truth is the exact opposite. It is important to stay active and engage in light exercise while following the above-mentioned tips to maintain a healthy mind and body throughout the holy season.
Happy Sawan 2023, everyone!