Today we are going to discuss diet guidelines according to the 12 months of Hindu Panchang.

diet suggestion as per Hindu tradition

Namaste!

Welcome to all my avid readers. Let’s read about the diet rules in Indian way.

Introduction

Generally these are the guidance rooted in the belief that what we eat influences our physical health, mental state, and spiritual well-being, and they vary based on region, community, and individual adherence to tradition.

As Indians, we are passionate about food, finding both joy and well-being in satisfying our hunger with delicious and nourishing meals.

We follow diet plans that are deeply rooted in our age-old beliefs and societal norms, with a significant portion of the population adhering to these practices religiously.

However, these rules often explain what should be eaten or avoided on specific days, such as during certain fasts, festivals, or phases of the moon.

Fasting Days

Certain days in the Hindu panchang, like Ekadashi, pradosh vrat, Navratri and Shivratri, are marked for fasting. On these days, devotees often abstain from specific foods, such as rice on Ekadashis, grains or non-vegetarian items, and may consume only fruits, milk and light vegetarian meals.

Festival-Specific Diets

Apparently, there are different rituals on festivals like Diwali( variety of sweets and Puri and kheer), Holi(Gunjiya) or Ganesh Chaturthi(Modak), Basoda (precooked food), etc. Where specific foods are prepared and consumed, often with religious significance. For example, sweets made from milk, ghee, and jaggery are common during these times. Although, we marwadis and Baniya people prepare food from gramflour and lentils on Bach Baras as consumption of wheat is prohibited on this day.

Day-Specific Foods

For many of you, this might sound like unusual thing. But, we Hindus do eat the food which is dear to our deity. Likewise, when I used to observe fast on thursdays to recieve blessings of Lord Vishnu, I used to eat all yellow coloured food only. Like gramflour, banana, mango and yellow lentils. Similarly, my father used to eat no salt food on tuedays to impress Lord Hanumana. Thus, Hindus follow dietary restrictions based on the day of the week, such as avoiding non-vegetarian food on Mondays or Thursdays, which are often dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, respectively.

Purnima and Amawasya

As we know how important Purnima and Amawasya are in Hindu Panchang. Do you know people often donate white colour food items on these days to remove malific effect of moon in their horoscopes. Like Milk, Rice and curd are consumed. Infact, in different locations, dietary practices may differ on Purnima (full moon) and Amavasya (new moon).

Seasonal Diets

Moreover, Hindu Panchang aligns dietary practices with seasonal changes, encouraging adaptations based on the time of year. Let’s discuss them in detail :

example, during the monsoon season, the emphasis is on consuming foods that are easy to digest and boost immunity.

a) Diet in Chaitra mas (March-April)

Indeed, Chaitra mas is observed in the months of March to April of Gregorian calendar. In this month, make jaggery a part of your diet to cleanse your blood and shield yourself from various ailments. As Chaitra unfolds, incorporate 4-5 tender neem leaves into your daily routine. Chewing these leaves acts as a natural purifier, helping to eliminate impurities and balance the body, keeping you healthy and vibrant during this time.

b) Diet in Vaishakh mas(April – May)

As the summer heat begins with the month of Vaishakh, it’s essential to embrace cooling remedies like Bel Patra to maintain your health. One can have a glass ful of beljuice full of cooling properties. To keep your body in balance, it’s advisable to avoid oil during this month, as it can lead to discomfort and disrupt your well-being.

c) Diet in Jyeshtha mas (May-June)

This month marks the peak of summer in India, making it crucial to prioritize your health. In Jyeshtha, an afternoon nap can be revitalizing, while cooling drinks like buttermilk, lassi and fresh juices, along with plenty of water, are your best allies. Steer clear of stale, heavy, or hot foods, as they can invite illness in this scorching heat.

d) Diet in Ashaadh mas (June-July)

In the month of Ashaadh, nourish your body with refreshing foods like mangoes, old wheat, sattu, barley, rice, kheer, cucumbers, snake gourd, bitter gourd and bathua. Embrace these cooling ingredients while avoiding hot-natured foods, as they can be detrimental to your health during this season.

e) Diet in Shravan mas (July-August)

In the month of Shravan, incorporate harad into your diet for its health benefits. Steer clear of green vegetables and limit your intake of milk. Opt for lighter meals—think old rice, aged wheat, khichdi, curd, and other easily digestible foods, and keep your portions modest to maintain balance and well-being.

f) Diet in Bhadrapada mas (August-September)

During the rainy season, it’s advisable to focus on easily digestible foods since the digestive system tends to be slower. Opt for light foods that are gentle on the stomach. Additionally, consider incorporating kada into your routine for better digestive health this month.

g) Diet in Ashwin mas (September-October)

This month, savor the richness of milk, ghee, jaggery, coconut, munnaka, cauliflower and cabbage! While these might be hearty, they’re perfect for the season because our digestive fire is at its peak, making it easier to enjoy and absorb these nourishing foods.

h) Diet in Kartik mas (October-November)

In Kartik mas, indulge in the warmth of hot milk, jaggery, ghee, and radish.prefwr consuming Haldi milk also known as Golden milk for health. Avoid cold beverages like buttermilk, lassi, cold curd, and fruit juices, as they can disrupt your health. Embrace warmth and keep your digestive system happy!

i) Diet in Agahan mas (November-December)

In aghan mas also known as margashirsa, it’s best to avoid both cold and excessively hot foods and beverages. Cold items, such as buttermilk, lassi, cold curd, and chilled juices, can interfere with digestion and may harm your health. Similarly, extremely hot foods and drinks can cause irritation. Instead, focus on consuming foods and beverages that are mildly warm, such as hot milk, ghee, jaggery, and radish, to maintain balance and support your digestive system throughout the month.

j) Diet in Paush mas (December-January)

In this season, enrich your diet with milk, khoya and khoya-based products, gaund ke ladoo, jaggery, sesame, ghee, potato, and amla. These nourishing foods will boost your health and vitality. Avoid cold, old, coarse, bitter, and dry foods, as they can be less beneficial and may disrupt your well-being.

k) Diet in Magh mas (January-February)

In this month, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy hot and hearty foods. Incorporate ghee, freshly prepared dishes, and laddus made from gum to support your health and well-being. Embrace these nourishing options to stay balanced and energized.

l) Diet in Phalgun mas (February-March)

This month, make jaggery a staple in your diet. Establish a routine of practicing yoga and taking a morning bath to enhance your wellness. Additionally, avoid consuming gram to maintain optimal health.Steer clear of gram to maintain digestive harmony and support your health throughout the season.

Conclusion

At the end, I would recommend my readers to follow above said dietary guidelines. As they emphasize the importance of balance and warmth in your food choices. Integrate jaggery into your meals, practice yoga, and take a morning bath to promote overall well-being.

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