Why many tend to become vegetarian in Shrawan?

By Pallav Bhusal,Kathmandu, Aug. 2: Every year, as the monsoon rain drenches the Kathmandu Valley and the scent of damp earth mixes with incense from temples, a noticeable shift occurs in the eating habits of many Nepalis. With the arrival of Shrawan, the fourth month of the Nepali calendar and one considered highly sacred by Hindus, countless devotees abandon meat and turn strictly vegetarian. But what lies behind this seasonal devotion?

To find out, The Rising Nepal visited Pashupatinath Temple on a drizzly morning, where hundreds of devotees were seen queuing patiently to offer garlands and incense to the sacred Shiva linga of Lord Pashupatinath.

According to Ramhari Acharya, a priest from Sindhupalchowk, the practice of giving up meat in Shrawan is deeply rooted in both religious beliefs and ancient traditions.

“Shrawan is the month of Lord Shiva,” Pandit Acharya said while adjusting his rudraksha mala and umbrella in the temple courtyard. 

“Every Monday of Shrawan is known as Shrawan Sombar, which holds special significance, referring to the moon at the head of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is a symbol of purity and asceticism. Consuming meat or alcohol during this time is believed to be impure. People offer milk, curd, ghee, honey and sacred water to the Shiva linga, and in turn, many choose to purify themselves by avoiding meat,” he said.

“It is not only purity, but in the ancient scriptures, it is also mentioned that during this time, the body becomes more sensitive due to the seasonal change. Eating vegetarian food helps keep the body in balance. Besides, showing discipline in food is also a form of spiritual offering,” he added.

For many devotees, the reasons are as personal as they are spiritual. Laxmi Khanal, a 50-year-old woman from Balaju, was lighting a butter lamp on the temple premises. Dressed in a green saree and with green bangles clinking gently on her wrists, a common sight in Shrawan, she shared her own story.

“I have been turning vegetarian every Shrawan since I was a teenager,” she said with a warm smile. “My mother taught me it is a way to show devotion to Lord Shiva and also to pray for the well-being of one's family. Especially for married women, wearing green and giving up non-veg food is believed to bring prosperity to one’s husband,” she said.

It is believed that Lord Shiva was the only deity who carried the body of his deceased wife, Sati, around the world, a profound symbol of love and devotion between husband and wife. 

Fasting on Mondays during Shrawan is often linked to this divine tale.

For Laxmi, it’s not just a ritual, 

it’s a legacy passed from one generation to the next. “I don’t even crave meat this month. It feels natural,” she added.

Not everyone, however, adopts a month-long fast. Saurav Nepal, a 36-year-old automotive journalist from Mandikatar, offered a different perspective. “I avoid meat only on Mondays,” he said as he waited in line at the temple. “I respect the tradition, but with a busy lifestyle and health needs, it’s hard to switch to a full vegetarian diet for the whole month,” he added.

But Saurav’s selective fasting doesn’t mean he lacks devotion. “I fast on Mondays and offer devotion to Shiva. I believe faith should be flexible. You don’t have to follow everything rigidly. It’s about intent,” he said.