Deepavali – Health formulas are included in our rituals and Deepavali, a Festival of Lights, is important from the point of view of health beyond religious, social and ritual.
Deepavali is a very important festival celebrated in India. Deepavali means “row of lights”. That is why Deepavali is called the festival of lights. Deepavali also means awakening the inner light i.e. the light of Jnana.
Deepavali is said to be the celebration of victory of Rama over Ravana and reaching Ayodhya. It is also the day of God Krishna killed Narakasura. Therefore, the destruction of evil and the celebration of virtue is the symbol of Deepavali.
In most places, Deepavali is celebrated by the household members by cleaning their homes, decorating them with lights, prayers, and enjoying sweets.
But these practices are not limited to mere likes. These practices are religiously, ideologically, socially important and beyond this the principles of health are incorporated in our practices. According to the time, food required by the body, achara and vihara (work to be done), the basic principles of Ayurveda have been implemented in the form of rituals. Necessary health formulas are incorporated in the form of ritual in accordance with the constant changes in the climate.
Celebration
A five-day celebration, Deepavali begins on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwini and ends on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartika. During these days i.e. the end of Ashwini month and the beginning of Kartika month, it is the time of transition from one month to another and there is a great change in the weather. Cold, windy and wet weather begins in the atmosphere. So Vata gradually increases during this period. These changing weather conditions leads to changes in the human body and mind and disturb the balanced vata of the body.
Therefore, all the rituals and traditions of Deepavali are adapted to alleviate Vata Dosha and balance the imbalances in the body.
Traditionally Deepavali is celebrated by waking up at Brahma Muhurta, performing oil abhyaya, bathing, wearing new clothes, puja, prayers, lighting sesame lamps in the evening and serving sweet meals to the household.
Waking up at Brahma Muhurta
Ayurveda tells waking up at Brahma Muhurta, although Brahma Muhurta varies from region to region, approximately 2 Muhurtas before sunrise i.e. 1 and half hours before sunrise is called Brahma Muhurta. Sattvic energy is at its highest in nature during this period, giving pleasure to my mind. Increases mental concentration and calms the mind. During this period, Apana Vayu, which aids in the excretion of faeces and urine, is quickened and naturally expelled from the body. This is a great time for health and spiritual fulfilment.
Appetizer
Oils prepared from medicinal herbs and sesame seeds are heated and are usually said to be used as a condiment for the body. Sesame seeds are rich in astringent and thermal properties, and the herbal oil processed with them provides special health benefits. Reduces coldness and roughness of vata dosha, reduces mental tension, calms nervous system, promotes sleep. It nourishes the body and gives radiance to the skin.
Bathing
A hot bath is best. Hot water bath increases the blood circulation of the body, reduces body fatigue, fatigue, appetite, improves digestion. Using medicated bath powders instead of soaps can help retain the skin’s natural moisture, cleanse the skin, and rejuvenate the skin.
Special foods
Deepavali special sweets are also in accordance with Ayurvedic principles. Sweets, fried snacks are specially prepared on Deepavali. Atirasa (Kajjaya), Parmanna, Payasa, and fried items prepared from ingredients like coconut, rice, jaggery, sesame, ghee, chickpea flour, milk, etc. have special viscous (greasy) quality, which helps to reduce excess moisture in the body and atmosphere and increase the necessary viscosity. Ayurveda advises to eat sweet, sour, hot and sticky foods during this time.
Deepavali Lehya
Many regions of South India have a tradition of consuming special lehya made from medicinal herbs on Deepavali. This lehya is called Deepavali lehya.
Lehya made with dry ginger, black pepper, cumin, coriander, hippali, garlic, nutmeg and ghee is consumed after oil bath on the festival day. During this time of change of seasons, cold starts, many infectious diseases start and digestive power decreases. So consumption of this lehya is advised to be consumed as tradition. Many diseases can be prevented by consuming this lehya. Improves immunity, good taste, digestion and relieves indigestion and stomach disorders. It also helps to easily digest the food eaten excessively during Deepavali festival.
Lighting the lamp
Deepavali is special by lighting the lamp. Light is a symbol of purity, auspiciousness, knowledge and power. So the significance of this is to apply knowledge as light against darkness and ignorance. It is said that in northern India, Lord Rama reached Ayodhya on the day of Amavasya after his victory, so people celebrated by lighting lamps.
Since there is no light on the day of Amavasya, and negative energy increases in the atmosphere during this time, lamps are lit outside every house before winter begins. Especially lighting a sesame oil lamp purifies the polluted atmosphere and warms the environment.
Ayurveda prescribes Panchakarma treatment to cleanse the body, mind, senses and emotions of constant unnecessary toxins, negative emotions and mental stress if the external cleansing of the body is done by bathing, Abhyanjanadi.
In the eara of mechanical life, the body does not purify itself. The mind is overstimulated by mental stress, anxiety, negative thoughts. Without body and mind purity there can be no mind or self-purity. Spiritual energy is necessary to be healthy, so on the festival day, worship, mantra, japa, discourse and spiritual meditation can be used to develop mental peace, spiritual energy and get the benefits of perfect health.
Thus, health formulas are included in our rituals and Deepavali festival is important from the point of view of health beyond religious, social and ritual.
Dr. Mahesh Sharma M.
Sri Dharamsthal Manjunatheshwar Ayurvedic Hospital
Mysore Road, Anchepalya, Bengaluru
Ph.: 9964022654
drsharmamysr@gmail.com
