Celebrate Diwali with a Healthier Approach
Diwali, the most celebrated festival from Hindu mythology that originated in the era of Lord Shri Rama thousands of years ago, is still celebrated with the same zeal and enthusiasm today. We start preparing for this grand festival well before its arrival. As the day approaches, the celebrations commence with full vigor and excitement. We fill our homes and bellies with a wide assortment of sweets, butter-soaked traditional Indian cuisine, and our patios with a variety of firecrackers. The air becomes infused with the spirit of Diwali.
This year, break away from the usual and celebrate Diwali in a different style—a healthier Diwali with fewer calories and more fun, less pollution and more illumination. Explore some wonderful activities you can indulge in on this soulful occasion that doesn’t include taking digestive pills or filling your lungs with soot.
Prepare Your Body with Yoga Practice
It is not unusual to put on a little holiday weight or feel fatigued by all the intense preparations. Resisting the temptation of savoring Indian sweets and dishes can be quite challenging. Even if we manage, there is always a friend or family member ready to urge us to indulge just a bit more. Our bodies can easily fall prey to digestive issues, feeling bloated or lethargic.
The key is not to overindulge or become overly concerned about making everything perfect. Prepare your body in advance for the string of stomach-filling, feet-tiring celebrations with some yoga therapy. Take a few minutes from your schedule and practice specific yoga asanas such as:
- Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
- Half Lord of the Fishes (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
- Uttana Shishosana (Extended Puppy Pose)
- Child Pose (Balasana)
These poses can help keep your digestive system in check while keeping your body active and light. Additionally, set some time aside for bedtime yoga poses like Wind Relieving Posture (Pavanamuktasana) and Corpse Pose (Savasana) so your body can restore itself with ease. Unlock your potential with advanced yoga techniques by joining yoga teacher training in India.
Try Your Hand at Yogic Refreshments
Just like you, your body knows it is not going through a normal routine. Craving more food, especially spicy food, comes naturally. Many people tend to overeat. In addition to the food, your body undergoes an ordeal of physical work as well. From tending to guests, family members, and friends, to shopping, to ensuring all preparations are in place, it is easy to feel inactive by the time the actual ceremony commences. Your skin can show signs of fatigue and lethargy.
To combat these, it is highly recommended to keep yogic refreshments, such as herbal drinks and mini salad snacks, handy. Not only do these refreshments replenish your body and skin, but they also satisfy those mini hunger pangs that push us toward consuming calorific finger food.
Meditate in the Soulful Gleam of Diyas
Soak your entire house and premises in the beauty of flickering oil lamps. Let there be light all around. Fire-lit oil lamps and candles have always been used as focal points during meditation practice. The sparkling light emitted through these objects instigates peace, hope, love, and positivity, while it also opens the heart of the practicing individual. Find some quiet time to sit, relax, and meditate in the sparkle of the diyas, opening your heart to new possibilities where the good wins over the evil.
Participate in a Humble Cause
The festival of Diwali is all about celebrating love, cherishing relationships, and commemorating the victory of good over evil. Diwali is about being in harmony with family, the universe, and the people inhabiting it. Make a humble effort to spread love and happiness to those less fortunate, and gift yourself one of the most sacred feelings.
Transform this Diwali into something even more memorable by indulging in these activities with your loved ones. Experience inner joy and luminosity on this holy festival of lights.
Conclusion
Embrace a healthier and more meaningful Diwali by incorporating yoga, meditation, and community service into your celebrations. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your own well-being but also spread positivity and joy to those around you. For more information on yoga and wellness, explore Rishikul Yogshala and their offerings, including Ayurveda retreats in India and yoga retreats in India. Wishing you a very happy and healthy Diwali!
