India's Sawan month advises against non‑veg foods for health reasons

During the Hindu month of Sawan, which coincides with the monsoon season, many devotees of Shiva refrain from eating meat, fish, poultry, as well as garlic and onion. Experts such as dietitian Pail Datt explain that the high humidity of the rainy season accelerates spoilage of animal products, raising the risk of food‑borne illness. Ayurvedic tradition also holds that the digestive fire (jatharagni) weakens in the monsoon, making heavy non‑veg meals harder to digest and potentially causing gastrointestinal problems. Historically, before refrigeration, avoiding meat during this period was a practical way to prevent disease, and the season also aligns with the breeding cycles of many aquatic and terrestrial animals, offering an ecological rationale for reduced consumption. While there is no universal medical directive, the advice emphasizes using fresh, well‑cooked ingredients if non‑veg is consumed.