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The time of the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) is considered best for devotion, sadhana and fasting of Lord Bholenath in Sanatan tradition. From the fasts on Mondays of Sawan to the fasting traditions of various religions—such as the holy fast of Ramadan in Islam—the general understanding remains that fasting consists of staying hungry and thirsty throughout the day and eating food in the evening. However, according to Indian philosophy, Yoga Shastra and spiritual traditions of the world, fasting is not merely the physical act of keeping the stomach empty. The word ‘Upvas’ is made up of two words – ‘Up’ (near) and ‘Vas’ (to reside), which actually means to reside near one’s soul, truth and God. If we delve into the ancient traditions like the fast of Sawan and the fast of Ramzan, behind them lies a deep scientific and spiritual secret of control of senses, mental purification, charity and complete detoxification of the body.
Same philosophy in Sawan fast and Ramadan fast: Control of senses (Tapa and Taqwa)
The basic rules of fasting show striking similarity in different religious traditions.
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Purification of mind, words and deeds: Just as there is a rule to avoid lust, anger, greed, attachment and doing evil to others while doing Shiva Sadhana in the month of Sawan, in the same way, in the fast of Ramzan, fasting is considered not only for eating and drinking, but also for the eyes, tongue and ears (not seeing evil, not telling lies and not listening to gossip).
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Practice tolerance and restraint: The real purpose of fasting is to control our unlimited desires and lusts. When man gets control over his basic appetite like food, he develops self-discipline and patience in every sphere of life.
Feeling hungry and having compassion for the needy (charity and service)
One of the biggest social and humanitarian aspects of fasting traditions is to arouse sensitivity towards the deprived section of the society.
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When a resourceful person experiences hunger and thirst throughout the day, he realizes the real pain of the poor and helpless person who hardly gets even two meals a day.
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In this spirit of compassion, during the fasts of Sawan, the importance of donating food and water to Brahmins, hungry animals and birds has been explained, just as it is considered mandatory to give ‘Zakat’ (donation) and ‘Fitra’ during fasting so that no person in the society remains hungry.
The Modern Science of Fasting: Autophagy and Cellular Detoxification
There is strong evidence from medical science and gastroenterology behind the rules of Saavan (rainy season) and fasting.
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Slow gastric fire in rainy season: During the month of Sawan, the digestive fire becomes weak due to rain and humidity. There is a risk of infection and indigestion by eating rich and heavy food in this season. Consuming light satvik fruits or fasting in Saavan provides relief to the digestive system.
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Activation of Autophagy: According to the research of Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi (who received the Nobel Prize for this), when the body remains hungry for 12 to 16 hours, the cells start cleaning from the inside. Healthy cells consume the bad and dead cells inside the body and generate energy, which slows down cancer, inflammation and aging.
How to observe fast properly in Saavan 2026?
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It is not enough to just give up Tamasic food on the day of fasting, but also do not allow jealousy, bitterness and negative thoughts towards anyone in your mind.
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In the name of fruits, avoid eating fried buckwheat or excessive sweets throughout the day; Instead of this, consume fresh fruits, makhana, coconut water and enough water.
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Devote most of the day to meditation, chanting Om Namah Shivay, self-study and social service so that the real spiritual fruits of fasting can be achieved.