Wellness with Navratri

Navratri

Navratri means “Nine Nights”. The occasion of Navratri brings joy, lots of fun, dance and a spiritual connection of divine power. This is a 9 day festival of prayer and joy. It starts with Ghatasthapana which is also known as Navratri Sthapna. 

People do fast and take the only Falahar these days, that’s why this period called a detoxification period. So, this period is very important from the point of view of fitness and healthy living.

Maa Durga

These nine days of Navratri are celebrated in the honor of 9 Divine Avatar of Goddess Durga to show Navratri importance. Each day is devoted to one of the Divine Avatar of Goddess Durga and has its own color as well.

9 Divine Avatar of Goddess Durga

1. Shailaputri the Daughter of Mountain

Worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Considered to be the direct incarnation of Mahakali. The color of the day is red, which depicts action and vigor.

2. Brahmacharini - Tranquility yet Strong Energy

Worshipped on the second day of Navratri. The incarnation of Parvati. The color of the day is Blue symbolizes bliss and calm.

3. Chandraghanta - Embodiment of Beauty

Worshipped on the Third day of Navratri. Devi Parvati adorned her forehead with half-Chandra (Moon), after marrying Lord Shiva. The color of the day is Yellow, the color of liveliness.

4. Kushmanda - The Endowment of Vegetation

Worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. The creative power of the universe. The color of the day is Green

   5. Skandmata - The Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya)

Worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Worshiped on Panchami. The color of the day is Grey and symbolizes the strength of the mother.

   6. Katyayani - The Warrior Goddess

Worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. Exhibit courage. The color of the day is Orange and known as the most violent forms of Goddess Parvati.

7. Kalaratri – The Protector

Worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. The most vicious form of Goddess Durga. The color of the day is White which depicts prayer and peace.

8. Mahagauri - Signifies Intelligence and Peace

Worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. Mahagauri, the power to fulfill all the desires. The color of the day is Pink which depicts optimism.

9. Sidhidatri - Mistress of all Achievements and Perfections

Worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. Also known as Saraswati Devi. The color of the day is Light Blue Pink which depicts an admiration towards nature's beauty. We all know about why is Navratri celebrated and Navratri's importance. But today, we will discuss a completely different aspect of celebrating Navratri. A holistic new vision toward the Navratri auspicious days.

Navratri - The Healthier Side

Navratri is a complete Wellness package. Knowingly or unknowingly, people who celebrate Navratri properly and participate in all associated activities, improve their Emotional, Physical and Spiritual health with no efforts. There are three major doings in this duration of 9 days.

• Worship (Navratri Aarti) – The Spiritual Aspect
• Fast – The Emotional and Physical Aspect
• Garba and Dandiya – The Physical Aspect

Let’s discuss each and every point above in detail

1. Worship (Navratri Pooja and Aarti) – The Spiritual Aspect

We all know that spirituality is the integrated element of religion. Spirituality includes the Comfort of subsequent activities according to your beliefs and ethics. A wonderful feeling of being connected. 

Navratri Pooja and Aarti – The Spiritual Aspect

While Worshipping the Goddess during nine days of Navratri, we experience alike the whole day. From the beginning of the day, we look for an eloquent connection with the Goddess. It fills us with optimistic emotions, such as satisfaction, gratitude, admiration, peace, and acceptance.

You feel yourself robust, novel and firm believer each and every day passing by and this is what we call the Spiritual Wellness.

2. Fast – The Emotional and Physical Aspect

Let’s talk about boosting Emotional Wellbeing during Navratri first. Emotional Wellness is about optimism and to refining the positive frame of mind. It broadens the outlook to identify and integrate a connection to something greater and superior to yourself, the Goddess. Fasting is a method of purification.

It helps with mood enhancement. Fasting also boosts to expel the impurities of thought from within oneself. It helps confine the ego and elevates the status of the soul. A healthy body always boost a healthy mind and positivity.

Emotional and Physical Aspect of Navratri

We all know that fasting is the most effective yet easiest method of detoxification. When we fast, human growth hormone levels go up. It reduces inflammation, improves detoxification and enhances cellular renewal process. Navratri is celebrated in the month of September-October. This is the time when weather change takes place, so it is always beneficial for an individual to detoxify the body.

This is why fast during Navratri is a good and natural detoxifying method. It helps you remove all the toxins from the body and to stay fit.

Fasting is more effective if it is done at least for 16 hours however we used to take food during fasts. While eating during fast, we recommend the following:

1. Avoid oily food
2. Take jaggery instead of sugar
3. Include dry fruits in your meal
4. Stay hydrated
5. Use homemade cottage cheese to complete the requirement of protein
6. Include healthy vegetables in your meals

3. Garba and Dandiya - The Physical Aspect

First of all, let me tell you about the interesting thing about Garba and Dandiya. They are two different activities. Garba is a devotional performances and usually performed before Aarti in the honor of the Goddess, while Dandiya is performed after the Aarti.

People wait for the whole year to enjoy Garba and Dandiya with their friends and family.

Do I need to say that it is a tremendous way for stretching and to lose weight?

Starching is there, you do Squats, twisting and many more exercises during the moves of Garba and Dandiya. It helps you to shape your arms and legs.

Garba and Dandiya - The Physical Aspect

Clapping during Garba increases the blood circulation and is a great cardio workout. You burn lots of calories while enjoying the Garba and Dandiya and believe me, you will never feel tired by doing this.

Garba dance is also known as great stress buster. The mesmerizing music and dance movements relax your mind, release joyful hormones 'Serotonin'. This Harmon is known as a stress buster and relaxes the mind, body, and soul.

So go and get your Dandiyas to get fit and stay healthy. Isn’t it great!!

Conclusion

Navratri fall during the change of season. It not only has religious significance but also scientific connotation. Fasting helps our digestive systems to rest, purify and detoxify during the 9 days. Especially when followed through the change of the season, it boosts our immunity as well. The Navratri fasting is all Gluten Free. That says a bit about its scientific significance. So if you are not very religious, follow it for seasonal cleansing. Focus on better eating and not more eating. Believe that, Navratri fasting is not depriving you of food but it is for disciplining you for good eating.

The most important thing to follow during Navratri is the purity of heart and thoughts. 

THINK GOOD! DO GOOD! SPEAK GOOD! BE CALM AND PEACEFUL!

Wishing you and your family very Happy and Healthy Navratri!!!