Prakash Kafle/kathmandu. According to the deep beliefs of Nepali society and Hindu scriptures, the tradition of avoiding salt in a family after someone’s death is regarded as a very important and essential ritual. From a religious and spiritual perspective, salt is considered the main source of taste, enjoyment, and physical pleasure in human life. The 13-day mourning period (Ashauch or impurity period) is seen as a form of strict spiritual practice performed for the peace of the departed soul. During this time, family members are expected to renounce taste and luxury and live a simple, pure (satvik) life. This helps shift their focus away from the material world toward the deceased, with the belief that it brings peace to the soul. Avoiding salt is taken as a form of “sacrifice” or “austerity,” which helps control the senses and maintain mental purity.
Another aspect of this tradition is connected to health and science. During mourning, a person’s mental state is often disturbed and emotionally sensitive, which can weaken digestion and the immune system. The sodium in salt can increase blood pressure and create a kind of stimulation in the body. At such times, staying calm and composed is more beneficial for health than being stimulated. Therefore, eating simple food without salt helps keep the body light and reduces mental stress. Additionally, a salt-free diet may help reduce anger, attachment, and agitation, while encouraging feelings of compassion and detachment, which are considered important during mourning.
From a social and cultural perspective, avoiding salt also carries significant meaning. It brings family members and close relatives under a shared discipline, showing that everyone equally shares the grief and stands united in respect for the deceased. It is a time when people set aside their daily comforts and reflect on the impermanence and truth of life. Therefore, the practice of avoiding salt is not merely a superstition or an old custom, but a deep psychological and cultural practice that reflects health awareness, self-discipline, and sincere respect for the departed.
मृत्यु पछि नुन बार्ने परम्परा : धर्म, विज्ञान र संस्कारको गहिरो अर्थ
