Does Sun Control Digestion During Holy Month of Sawan? Viral Video Gets Fact-Checked

A video claiming that the Sun plays a crucial role in digestion during the month of Sawan has gone viral on social media. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sawan is celebrated with great passion and dedication across India. Many believers of Hinduism avoid the consumption of non-vegetarian food and alcohol during the month.

In the video shared on Instagram, a user named Shrdha Krishm Kumar Atri explained the logic behind this practice and said eating habits should be altered based on the Sun’s position during this period.

She suggests avoiding non-vegetarian food, junk food, and alcohol during the month of Sawan. The content creator adds that sunlight, which plays a key role in our digestion process, is not adequately available during this period.

“Consuming heavy food and alcohol might therefore lead to difficulties in digestion,” she said.

Check her video here:

The viral claims were debunked by author Krish Ashok who refuted these assertions in an Instagram Stories. “Your regular reminder that it’s best to be sceptical of purely cultural practices being retrofitted with ‘science’,” Ashok wrote in a now unavailable post.

The comment section of the original video was soon flooded with varied reactions from people online. A user questioned the claim and asked why the logic of relating the Sun with digestion did not apply to winters. Another person pointed out that many parts of the country were getting ample sunlight.

“Please research before you post such content,” a user wrote.

Speaking to Indian Express, Kanika Malhotra, a consultant dietician, and certified diabetes educator, explained that these claims are not only factually incorrect but also potentially hazardous. She emphasised the importance of cultural context when considering traditions. It avoids misinterpretations, such as misunderstanding that dietary limitations in Sawan only influence digestion.

According to her, the rainy season can have an indirect effect on digestion. The humid weather could slow your digestive system, causing bloating or indigestion. This is why several cultures encourage making dietary changes during this time, with a focus on easily digestible meals and staying hydrated.

This year, the month of Sawan began on July 22 and will be 29 days long, ending on August 19. Devotees observe fast on Sawan Somwars or Mondays falling in the month to appease Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.