Sawan 2023: Will IRCTC serve only vegetarian food during the month?

Sawan 2023: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has denied reports that claimed only vegetarian food will be served during the month of Sawan or Shravan - considered to very auspicious and special occasion. According to news agency ANI, this was applicable only in the Bhagalpur district. The report said that the non-vegetarian food will not be served from July 4. Also, vegetarian food will be served without onion and garlic. 

“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 Pankaj Kumar, Manager of a food service stall as quoted by ANI. 

However, IRCTC denied these reports saying "No such instructions have been issued by IRCTC. All approved items are available for sale to passengers from the food unit."

Sawan 2023 start date, end date: List of Shravan Somwar

As we all know, Sawan month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Sawan month begins with the onset of the Monsoon in India. The month is also considered very auspicious and special for agriculture and harvest. Devotees usually fast on every Monday of the Sawan month and pray to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. 

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According to Drig Panchang, the month of Sawan this year will begin on July 4, 2023, and end on August 31, 2023. There will be a total of 8 Mondays during the Sawan.

July 4, 2023, Tuesday - Shravan Begins

July 10, 2023, Monday - First Shravan Somwar Vrat

July 17, 2023, Monday - Second Shravan Somwar Vrat

July 18, 2023, Tuesday - Shravan Adhika Maas Begins

July 24, 2023, Monday - Third Shravan Somwar Vrat

July 31, 2023, Monday - Fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 7, 2023, Monday - Fifth Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 14, 2023, Monday - Sixth Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 16, 2023, Wednesday - Shravan Adhika Maas Ends

August 21, 2023, Monday - Seventh Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 28, 2023, Monday - Eighth Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 31, 2023, Thursday - Shravan Ends