The holy month of Shravan brings a number of dietary restrictions, but Fortune Miramar has found a way to celebrate this period
Shravan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, has a special religious and cultural significance among the Hindu community in Goa. Being the first month of the Chaturmas season it calls for fasting and the observation of additional vows. In Goa, there are several rituals and traditions followed during this period that culminates with chavath festivities.
During the period of Shravan, which is considered the most auspicious by the Hindu community in Goa and the Konkan region, Hindus go on a vegetarian diet and engross themselves in religious and spiritual affairs. During Shravan, the Hindu community celebrates festivals like Nagpanchami, Gokulashtami, Narali Poornima, and Raksha Bandhan. Besides, each day of the week, with the exception of Wednesdays, is dedicated to deities. Most temples and shrines around the state, organise various fairs, bhajans and kirtans that attract a large number of followers.
While Mondays in Shravan are marked with a complete fast for some, sticking only to certain foods, a sort of ‘partial fast’ is observed on other days of Shravan. During this time, non-vegetarians abstain from fish and meat, while vegetarians avoid consuming onion and garlic.
Religious significance aside, Shravan is a rather testing time for foodies and businesses related to food. Restaurants are believed to typically face a downturn in business during this time, but now that picture seems to be changing, thanks to the emergence of ‘Shravan Thali.’ A number of restaurants around Goa offer a special Shravan thali during the holy month, enabling customers to have ‘the best of both worlds’ by providing an opportunity to enjoy delicious restaurant style dishes while also maintaining religious observance.
Fortune Miramar Goa, a contemporary hotel for the modern day traveller, features 45 beautifully-furnished rooms, a selection of dining outlets and banquet facilities for up to 150 guests. The dining options at Fortune Miramar include: Orchid – the 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant, Neptune – Bar & Lounge, and Fortune Deli – a contemporary bakery outlet. The hotel is at an advantageous location, being not too far from the airport, local shopping district, casinos, beaches, and other areas of interest
Indulge in the ultimate Shravan experience this festive season at Fortune Miramar. Shravan Delights feature a culinary journey across India with a unique thali each day. Each thali comprises of traditional dishes from a select region. Delight your taste buds with thalis hand crafted to perfection, 29th July onwards at their acclaimed restaurant, Orchid.
However, even as restaurants are doing good business, many Goan people who are non-vegetarians are now finding ways to make food spicy and tasty without the usual flavours of fish and meat. Thus, the adage ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ seems to ring true during the month of Shravan, as businesses and homemakers faced with dietary restrictions continue to innovate and develop new ways of making food spicy and tasty.
