New Delhi (Agency): The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in Bhagalpur, Bihar, has made the unique decision to only serve vegetarian dishes throughout the forthcoming ‘Sawan’ month, beginning July 4. This special commitment was officially announced by Pankaj Kumar, the Manager of a food service stall.
“In the month of Sawan, food will be served without onion and garlic. Fruits will also be given. This arrangement will be applicable throughout Sawan. Non-vegetarian food will be stopped from July 4. Cleanliness will be taken care of,” said Kumar.
‘Sawan’ or ‘Shravan’, as per the Hindu calendar, signifies the fifth month of the lunar year, regarded as one of the holiest times of the year. During this period, devout Hindus partake in fasting on Mondays, known as ‘Shravan Somvar,’ in honor of Lord Shiva, seeking his divine blessings.
The period is also synonymous with the ‘Kanwar Yatra,’ a significant pilgrimage wherein devotees, clad in saffron attire, collect sacred water from revered rivers in small earthen pots known as ‘Kanwars.’ This holy water is then carried by foot to temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Major points of gathering for this sacred journey include Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and Sultanganj in Bihar, where the holy Ganga water is collected for worship.
This year, the ‘Shravan’ period extends unusually over two months, a phenomenon last observed nearly two decades ago. The first fasting Monday falls on July 10, culminating on August 28.
The Hindu calendar, following both solar and lunar cycles, necessitates the addition of an extra month, or ‘Adhikmas,’ every three years to realign the solar and lunar years. This happens when the Sun transits from one zodiac to another, known as ‘Sankranti.’ Twelve such ‘Sankranti’ occur in a solar year, with any month devoid of ‘Sankranti’ referred to as ‘Malmas’ or ‘Adhikmas.’ It is a month during which no new or auspicious tasks are typically initiated. This year, ‘Malmas’ will start on July 18 and conclude on August 16.
This unique extension of the ‘Sawan’ period, from July 4 to August 31, lasting 58 days, provides an extended opportunity for devotees to seek blessings and partake in the revered rituals. And it’s a period during which travelers on IRCTC in Bihar will be able to partake in the strictly vegetarian fare.
