Monday: Sawan ka Somwar

Who introduced you to 'Sawan ka Somwar'? For me, it was my mother! To the ones who are new to this term, let's begin with Sanwan. Sawan is an auspicious month in Hindu Calender that usually aligns with the time zone of July-August of the English Calendar.

In Hindu tradition, the month of Sawan (also known as Shravan) is considered very auspicious, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is marked by various rituals and fasting practices. You might be wondering about the reason behind covering this article in a blog that has been named 'Maa ka Pyaar: Food'. The reason behind it is the special food prepared during this month, especially on occasions like Monday fasting, teej, rakshabandhan! Since my native place is Mathura that is in the Brij kshetra (Blessed!); I will be introducing you to one of the mostly made sweet dish here on the days we fast; all Mondays of Shravan!

Before we do that, why not cover the significance of fasting on Mondays in Shravan!

Fasting on Mondays in Sawan

  1. Significance: Mondays (Somvar) are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and fasting on this day during the month of Sawan is believed to be particularly beneficial. Devotees observe fasts to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

  2. Types of Fasts:

    • Full Fast: Some devotees choose to refrain from all food and drink, consuming only water or fruit juices.
    • Partial Fast: Others might eat fruits or a specific type of food, such as milk and dairy products, while avoiding grains, salt and non-vegetarian food.

  3. Rituals:

    • Morning Worship: Devotees typically start their day with a bath and perform a puja (prayer ritual) at home or in a temple. Offerings often include bilva leaves, milk, honey, and flowers.
    • Recitation of Mantras: Many recite the Shiva Mantras or hymns, such as the "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra" or "Om Namah Shivaya," to invoke blessings.
    • Evening Aarti: Devotees often conclude their day with an evening prayer or aarti dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  4. Community Celebrations: Many communities organize special events, including bhajans (devotional songs), processions, and collective prayers during this time.

  5. Personal Reflection: Sawan is also a time for personal reflection and growth, with many people using the fasting period to meditate and focus on their spiritual practices. The health aspect for many improves during fasting.

Coming back to sewai, I remember a time when we used to come to nani's house and she had a machine which could give us hand-made long sewai, the OG! A kneaded flour, all-purpose flour or wheat flour was inserted through the top; and then it was used similar to the traditional sewing machine wherein the handle was rotated. We used to get long strands; the ones as noodles and then used to dry them under sun laying them on a cloth and covering them with a transparent cloth as well. We used to have them there and then nani used to pack them as a ritual for Shravan back to our home!

Another way of making the small sewai or vermicelli was making them with fingers from the kneaded floor and then drying them. I was fascinated as a child and used to do it with my nani's neighbors. Ohh, the lovely times! 

Now many times, sewai gets replaced by chawal ki kheer at home on Monday fasts but this is adulthood, no!  So today,  on this Monday we are having puri without salt and chawal ki kheer for breaking our fast. Next Monday, I hope I make SEWAI!

Here a recipe of Sewai that you can customize according to the ingredients available at home. We are adults now, we know how to be creative with food according to the availability of of ingredients!


Ingredients

  • Vermicelli: 1 cup (you can use thin or thick, as per your preference)
  • Ghee: 2-3 tablespoons (clarified butter)
  • Milk: 4 cups (full cream for richer taste)
  • Sugar: 1/2 to 3/4 cup (adjust to taste)
  • Cardamom Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Chopped Nuts: Almonds, cashews, and pistachios (2 tablespoons each, optional)
  • Raisins: 2 tablespoons (optional)
  • Saffron strands: A few (optional, for color and flavor)
  • Kewra or Rose Water: 1 teaspoon (optional, for aroma) - New to me as well!

Instructions

  1. Roasting the Vermicelli:

    • Heat ghee in a pan on medium heat.
    • Add the vermicelli and roast until it turns golden brown. Keep stirring to ensure it doesn't burn. In case you have already bought roasted vermicelli, skip this step!

  2. Boiling the Milk:

    • In a separate pot, bring the milk to a boil. You can add saffron strands at this stage for color and flavor.

  3. Combining Ingredients:

    • Once the vermicelli is roasted, add the boiling milk to the pan.
    • Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the vermicelli is cooked and has absorbed some of the milk.

  4. Adding Sweetness:

    • Add sugar to the mixture and stir until it dissolves completely. Adjust sweetness according to your taste.

  5. Flavoring:

    • Sprinkle cardamom powder, and add chopped nuts and raisins. You can also add kewra or rose water for extra aroma , and I haven't used this! Also we avoid readymade flavoring agents in Shravan while fasting!

  6. Cooking Further:

    • Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can add more milk if you prefer a more runny texture.

  7. Serving:

    • Serve the Sewai warm or chilled, garnished with additional nuts on top.


Enjoy this delightful dish during your fasting days or festive occasions! Do share your version of Sewai here. Also, what is the famous sweet dish you make at home during Shravan? Name it here!


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