Diwali || Diwali and Health || Healthy Diwali

                                                           Diwali 

Diwali the festival of lights, hope and prosperity is around the corner.

The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.

 

The first day - known as Dhanteras, is dedicated to cleaning homes and purchasing small items of gold. Lakshmi is the focus of worship on that day.

 

The second day -  Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorates Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura; prayers are also offered for the souls of ancestors. People decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.

 

The third day - Lakshmi Puja, families seek blessings from Lakshmi to ensure their prosperity; light diyas, candles, and fireworks; and visit temples. It is the main day of the Diwali festival. On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi puja.

 

The fourth day - This is the first day of the new year, when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season. known as Goverdhan Puja, Balipratipada, or Annakut, commemorating Krishna’s defeat of Indra, the king of the gods, is also the first day of Karttika and the start of the new year in the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar.

 

The fifth day - called Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On that day sisters pray for the success and well-being of their brothers. Brothers visit their married sisters, who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.

 

Here are a few ways to celebrate Diwali safely and without affecting your health –

There is hardly any denying; Diwali is the time when people gorge on sweets. This is also the time when people put on some extra weight as well. To make this Diwali healthy and safe choose the healthy alternatives such as fruits, diabetic sweets etc in place of the ghee laden snacks and sweets. You can also make some easy and healthy sweets at home or choose dry fruits like raisins, almonds etc over unhealthy and colored sweets.

 

While it’s hard to resist the urge to dress up ravishingly during Diwali but it’s always important to dress up safely. Chiffon, georgette, satin and silk fabrics are the trending fabrics that everyone loves to wear during festivals, but such fibres are more susceptible to fire. Instead, it’s better to go with cotton silk, cotton or jute fabrics. One must also avoid loose-fitting clothing during Diwali celebrations.

 

Start your day with a light, healthy meal for breakfast, because as the day progresses and you meet friends and relatives, keeping a check on your calorie intake can be difficult. Methi thepla and moong dal cheela are good options.

Diwali is also the time to bring gifts to your near ones. Choose some sensible gift options for your friends and family. Gift fruit basket, low calorie snacks and sweets.

 

Do not burst firecrackers in crowded areas.

 

THANK YOU !

HAPPY DIWALI !!