Maybe less mithai and more spiritual renewal this Diwali?
I was part of an Ayurvedic community conversation the other day where the focus was Ayurveda and Diabetes. The minute one says diabetes, India comes to mind as India is often referred to as the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World.’
According to the International Diabetes Federation and the Global Burden of Disease Project … about 98 million Indians could have diabetes by 2030. The diabetic population in India is close to hitting the alarming mark of 69.9 million by 2025. This denotes that the developing country is expected to witness an increase of 266%.
But be it India or in the western world … people seem unfettered by these numbers. First it was Ganpati, then Navratri and now Diwali where sweet shops have long lines and big orders for mithais and namkeen. Social calendars have been lined up for holiday gatherings and indulgences starting September. And social media is ablaze with decadent recipes and expression of love through food.
Can we agree that we live in an era of fast food and overindulgences? We are so disconnected from what we need and what we are feeling … we numb ourselves with sugar, alcohol, fried foods, trans fats, and calories.
Notice when you visit public parks over the weekend—you see people from almost every background but rarely Indians. Because a large majority is busy creating weekend brunches at home or preparing to go out to eat.
Movement can be a family activity too, right? Excessive eating-drinking and remaining less active while navigating high stress also impacts an individual’s health. ALL of these factors can adversely affect insulin sensitivity and make us susceptible to diabetes.
Diwali and Decluttering
Mom and other women in the family as well as neighborhood were very focused on decluttering and cleanliness during Diwali. The helpers were on double duty, making sure everything was sparkling clean. Some people had their house painted. Everything would feel lighter and festive without being in your face.
Ayurveda and Diwali Cooking
Look at the traditional Diwali menu across all cultures and regions in India. It honors the season and Ayurvedic principles of cooking. If one of the ingredients in the sweets is dry in nature, others counter the effects of those dry ingredients. The sweets and snacks help us control the dryness of the body caused by the changing weather and the vata season that we are in currently. This diet comprising six tastes and daily routine isn’t just meant for Diwali days; it’s supposed to be followed throughout fall and winter season to keep one healthy and balanced.
People used to eat vegetarian food and alcohol consumption was at its minimum. Most cultures within India were strict about no alcohol being served on the day there was a puja in the house. There was routine, rituals, and respect for traditions. Diwali was also a time of inner transformation, not just outwardly sparkle and glitter on the body.
But these days, who’s-the-better-cook or who-hosts-best-parties has become the underlying theme for all holidays. The celebrations need to look fabulous on social media so women show up in color-coordinated outfits. Vanity and unhealthy food choices triumph over nourishment.
A New Take on Diwali
I am not suggesting that you don’t eat mithai or become apathetic towards your Diwali décor and outfit. All I am saying is that Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance … maybe we apply these themes to our personal and spiritual growth?
How to be a better person? How to care less about social media engagements? How to really help others, especially when you won’t get anything in return? How to open your home and heart to those who are alone or feeling lonely this Diwali? Get curious about where to donate so those less fortunate can enjoy the festival too!
Where to Start?
Spirituality is a process. It starts with pausing, reflecting, asking questions, staying curious, and understanding that we are all connected. The choices we make as individuals impact us, our families, our friends, our communities, and the world-at-large. Nourishment of senses comes from various organs. In many homes, families practice abhyanga (massage with warm oil) on Diwali day or during the festival period. Warm oil massage lowers dryness in the body, helps to balance vata, and creates focus.
This Diwali:
- Wake up in Brahma muhurta (It’s an auspicious period that begins 1 hour 36 minutes before sunrise and ends 48 minutes before it).
- Cleanse your mouth, eyes, tongue, ears, and nose.
- Give away what you have in excess and/or what you don’t need.
- Eat in moderation.
- Engage with your emotions rather than avoid them.
- Take time to understand where the loneliness is stemming from and what care and connections you are craving.
- Binge eating (leading to eating disorders) may get common during festive times as the loneliness is compensated through stuffing oneself.
- Practice at least 20 – 30 minutes of movement.
- Meditate daily.
- Check in on those who might be grieving or have no family around this holiday season.
Over the Diwali weekend, we have invited people over for a festive dinner. This is a different Diwali for many as someone’s kid started college, a friend is away from his family and on a project in the US, a nephew is healing from a broken heart, a friend’s kid is all alone and many such situations. We want our home to be that emotional oasis for anyone who needs nourishment.
When we feel grounded and compassionate, it also enables us to brighten other people’s lives with utmost authenticity. My point being … spirituality teaches us about intention. Like a Diwali diya, the aura of good intention can light up the darkest corners of the world and heaviest of hearts.
“The true essence of Diwali lies in spreading happiness and kindness to all, regardless of our differences.”
