India is known as the land of festivals which are no more confined to the boundaries of our nation but also being celebrated by the different communities around the world. Diwali, festival of lights, energy and happiness is the king of all festivals celebrated all across the world.
The customs and rituals celebrated during Diwali are deep rooted and always associated with health and wellness. Rituals of the festival are symbolic representations of Rutucharya that must be adopted for ‘ Swasthya’ ( physical, psychological, spiritual well being )mentioned by Ayurved.
Diwali and Indian Months
Festival of Diwali comes in Sharad rutu (autumn), in the months of Ashwin and Kartik. Being an agricultural country, during this period we get the yields from the farms. Rain are over and the atmosphere becomes pleasant and cool. For the farmer, crops are their wealth so they get reason to celebrate their happiness in the form of festivals like Diwali on the auspicious days of Vasubaras, Dhanatrayodashi, Naraka Chaturdashi, Bali Pratipada and Bhaubeej.Let’s find out how our festivals, seasons and related rituals are interrelated with our mind and body wellness.
Brahma Muhurte Uttishth
Waking up before sunrise is the Brahma muhurta. During Diwali festival it is an early start of cold weather and a period of vata aggravation by the cold and dry atmosphere. On the day of Narak Chaturdashi it’s a ritual to wake up early in the morning. It is helpful for a healthy, long life. The mind is refreshed, calm and serene in the early morning. There is the preponderance of Satva or purity in the mind at this time, as well as in the atmosphere.
Abhyang Snan
Diwali Abhyanga snan is the favourite ritual for all. Applying medicated and scented sesame oil all over the body before bath helps to reduce Vata and Kapha doshas in the body and protects the skin from dryness offering glow and luster. Applying sesame oil before the sun rises prevents the increase of Pitta. Bathing with lukewarm water is helpful for reducing the effect of cold and dry atmosphere on the body.
Udarvatan (Ubtan)
Ubtan is made with a combination of different medicinal herbs that are helpful to scrub off fat accumulation, dead skin and to offer glowing complexion. During the events of Diwali, people wake up early in the morning. Abhyang snan and Ubtan application is our traditional way of celebration with the above said benefits. So it is the symbolic lifestyle illustrated for the transitional phase and for the upcoming Hemant rutu. Practicing daily abhyang and ubtan are also good for strength and flexibility related to bones, muscles and also for skin.
Worship traditions
Dhanatrayodashi is celebrated to worship lord Dhanvantari who emerged carrying Amrut. On this day, Coriander seeds which are having maximum yield are worshipped by people. The aggravated Pitta during Sharad rutu gets stabilized by drinking Coriander water with Khadi sakhar (sugar cubes).
Food traditions
The upcoming Hemant and shishir rutu are having pleasant weather, strong appetite, digestive fire and metabolism. The effect of the season is soothing on the body and it is the season of gaining strength and happiness.
Sweet dishes made up with pure ghee are pitta shamak and provides strength to every cell of the body. Diwali Faral having a variety of dishes are also not troublesome during this season. Though it is better to consume sweet dishes made up of pure ghee, coconut, and dry fruits for better health.
Rejoice your Mind
Decorating homes, rangolis, lightening and gifts are all ways of positivity, happiness linked with emotional well being. Ayurved equally focuses on the emotional well being of individuals. These all Diwali linked creations and traditions are none but happiness and energy for rejuvenation of mind after hectic, stressful year.
In short, all the Rituals are Preventive Keys for a Happy, Healthy Life.
This Diwali is approaching on a different note. Last 2 years were very stressful for mankind due to the pandemic. It has effectively changed our way of living. It taught us the importance of being healthy from within. It made everyone to introspect about their health and associated factors like lifestyle, diet, exercise.
On this auspicious occasion of Diwali which brings the light of happiness and hope together, let us make a pledge to ourselves ”To remain Healthy from within in this New Normal.”
Turyaa, our Well being Companion can associate with you all in this journey by guiding you about individual specific diet, exercise, and correct water intake requirement without compromising your Diwali food taste and without making you calorie conscious.
Enjoy diwali and let the US worry about your Wellness.
Author:
Vaidya Tejaswini Bhale – Borse (Ayurveda Physician)
Dr. Gayatri Kulkarni (MD Ayurved)