What should you expect from Navratri fasts- from detox to mindfulness? How can you do it? And more. Your guide for a healthy Navratra.
Navratri is widely celebrated twice a year in India- the Vasant Navratri and the Sharad Navratri. Sharad Navratri this year, will be celebrated from today until the 25th of October. During these nine days, people worship the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. The fasts that devotees observe, either by abstaining from food completely or by consuming satvik foods- is also backed by science. Read on to know more.
- Change in season.
Our bodies become more vulnerable to diseases when the seasons change, especially during spring and fall. The digestive and immune system is impacted, and the detoxification is also challenged. To combat this, the role of a good diet cannot be stressed enough. Hence, having more satvik food can provide you with abundant energy, while also working on better digestion, assimilation and detoxification processes of the body.
- A therapy for your body.
According to Ayurveda, fasting rekindles the digestive fire. An increased digestive fire can burn the toxins in the body, and when the toxins are flushed out, the body loses its dullness and lethargy. All the cells in the body are rejuvenated. Hence, observing a fast during Navratri is an effective therapy to cleanse the body, calm the mind, and experience a deep connection between body and mind.
- Sattva Bloom.
When you fast along with meditation, the quality of tranquility and positivity within you- Sattva, increases. An increase in sattva makes the mind more alert and at peace, while the body feels more lighter and energetic. Your efficiency increases, and you better accomplish any task at hand.
- De-stress and build immunity.
It is a tendency to observe that most people do not wait to feel hungry. Hunger is an indication that your body is prepared to digest food and when you eat even before feeling hungry, your digestive system weakens. This in turn leads to stress and poor immunity. Since fasting re-ignites the digestive fire, it helps in building up immunity and de-stressing.
How can you observe the fast?
In order to observe the fast right, you need to first understand what is your body’s composition. If you are medically fit to undertake the fast or not, is crucial( in case of complete abstinence from food), but if you take satvik foods, while fasting, keep in mind the following tips:
- Start your day with a glass or two of warm water in the morning to activate your digestive system.
- Then you can opt for having any herbal tea made with ingredients of choice- cardamom, cumin, fennel, mint, or holy basil.
- Followed by soaked nuts and seeds or fruits.
- Try to not keep a long gap between meals. Have fruits, or vegetables, or coconut water every 2-3 hours.
- Choose low-fat dairy, keep yourself well-hydrated,and try to have your dinner before 7 p.m.
- Navratri is a time when various delicacies are cooked in the Indian households. Do not indulge into them, as it would defeat the entire purpose of fasting. Avoid fried and food items that are high in sugar.
- Also, it is important to note that post the fast, you should not gobble up the food. Break open and get back to your eating habits gradually, as the opposite will not pay reverse your fasting efforts but also do more harm to your body.
Handing over to you.
Goddess Durga has always been looked at as an embodiment of Shakti. She was created to combat the evil demon Mahishasura, by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Great Mother of the Universe, ensures creation, preservation and destruction of evil forces. And as the festival celebrates the victory of Good over Evil, you should also introspect and make better food, lifestyle, personal, spiritual, and professional choices.
At this time, while we are all at home, let’s make the most of this auspicious occasion in its true sense.
Happy Navratras!