Navratri is one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated over nine days in honour of Goddess Durga. It is observed in two main forms, Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri, with Sharad Navratri being the most prominent. This festival is celebrated during the bright half of the Ashwin month, which typically falls in the autumn season.
Sharad Navratri, which is widely celebrated, welcomes the autumn season and spans nine days. Each day is dedicated to a different form or aspect of Goddess Durga, and people engage in fasting, prayers, and various cultural activities to honour the goddess and seek her blessings. It is a time for spiritual reflection, devotion, and celebration.
During Navratri, devotees often participate in dance and music performances, especially Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are traditional folk dances in the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. People also create beautiful displays of idols and images of Goddess Durga, and on the tenth day, known as Dussehra, effigies of the demon king Ravana are burned to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
Navratri is a vibrant and joyful festival filled with devotion and cultural festivities, and it holds deep spiritual significance for many Hindus. Navratri 2023: Uniting in Worship and Celebration.
Navratri starts on 14 October. For some people, this will be the time of fasting for 9 days. In addition, some people are waiting for the chaat and pakodas available at the Durga Puja fair. Well, you must be aware of the negative effects of chaat-pakodas on your health, but are you aware of the benefits of fasting?
It is important to understand the benefits of fasting from the fact that the Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi was awarded the Nobel Prize for Science in 2016.
When rats were made too fast
In 2022, the results of a 4-year research project were released. This research was about rats’ eating and drinking habits. Scientists divided the rats into two groups. Rats in one group were given freedom to eat day and night. At the same time, the rats of the second group were given food at a fixed interval during the day. They were allowed to eat only for 2 hours at night.
The results of this research conducted at Texas University Medical Center in America were shocking. Scientists found that rats given less food, in a fixed quantity and timely manner, had a 35% longer lifespan compared to the other group. The rats, who ran their mouths day and night, were fat, lazy and sick. Fasting has some benefits.
The days of Navratri have arrived, and we are also ready for fasting. So let us understand what science says about this and should we fast outside festivals.
What is fasting
Vrat is a vow or resolution. That is, we pledge to do or not do work and complete it with determination. We fast during Navratri. Navratri 2023: Uniting in Worship and Celebration. Some people also observe the Nirjala fast, i.e. fasting without drinking water, but are these the only types of fasting?
Science behind fasting
Man has followed the tradition of fasting since ancient times. It is a different matter that, at that time, it was not a religious ritual. There would be long intervals between one meal, and the human body is used to going without food for long periods.
But now there is no shortage of such things in our lives. Now, food is available in abundance, and we eat more than we need. Today, scientific research around the world is saying that humans are not dying due to lack of food as much as they are dying due to overeating.
By eating more than we need, we invite diseases around the world like diabetes, heart attack and obesity. This may be the reason that today, fasting has become a subject of scientific research for medical science. Many researchers are counting the benefits of prolonged fasting.
Navratri is a good opportunity to change our routine eating habits and fast for nine days. But before that, let us know what science says about fasting. Navratri 2023: Uniting in Worship and Celebration & Celebrating the Divine: Navratri’s Nine Nights of Joy and Devotion.
Significance
Navratri, which means “nine nights,” is celebrated to honour the divine feminine energy and to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga, who is considered the embodiment of strength, courage, and protection. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
Nine Forms of Durga
During Sharad Navratri, each day is dedicated to one of the nine forms or manifestations of Goddess Durga, which are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Fasting and Worship
Many people observe fasts during Navratri, refraining from consuming grains, non-vegetarian food, and certain spices. They focus on eating simple, satvik (pure) food. Devotees also perform elaborate prayers and rituals to seek the goddess’s blessings.
Cultural Celebrations
In addition to religious observances, Navratri is known for its cultural celebrations. Dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas are an integral part of the festival, where people gather in groups and dance to traditional folk music. Colourful traditional attire, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, adds to the festive atmosphere.
Dussehra
Navratri concludes with Dussehra or Vijayadashami, which marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. In some parts of India, the effigies of Ravana, his brothers, and the demon king Meghnad are set ablaze to symbolize the defeat of evil forces.
Community and Family Bonding
Navratri brings together families and communities. It’s a time for social gatherings, cultural performances, and spending time with loved ones. Many communities organize grand events and competitions during this festival.
Goddess Durga’s Symbolism
Goddess Durga is often depicted riding a lion or tiger, holding weapons in her multiple hands, signifying her power and strength to protect her devotees from all evils. Her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura is a central theme of Navratri. Navratri 2023: Uniting in Worship and Celebration & Garba and Dandiya: The Rhythmic Heartbeats of Navratri.
DELHI TO HARIDWAR DISTANCE BY ROAD
DELHI TO VRINDAVAN DISTANCE