Navratri is one of the most important festivals celebrated with great joy, enthusiasm and tradition in the Indian Culture. Associated with Goddess Durga, the nine days fasting ritual has a lot of religious significance and beliefs attached to it. However, there is a science to this festival too. Here are some scientific reasons behind Navratri fasting!
Detoxing the Body
Celebrated twice a year, this festival is strategically placed at the two very important junctures of seasonal change: once in the beginning of summer and secondly in the beginning of winter. Fasting and avoiding foods like meat, grains, alcohol, onion, garlic etc. detoxes the body and prepares it for the onset of a new season. So, we fast and worship for cleansing and purification not just for our body but for our mind and soul too for maintaining well-being, harmony and perfect balance.
Clarity of Thought
When you fast, your digestive system is at rest providing you with more clarity and life force to entangle your life and feel the ease of lightness of your system. Logically, fasting helps you in making mindful choices for yourself and your body from the way you feed yourself and your mind. It cleanses and removes the negative energies from within you.
Ignites Self-discipline
Denying certain foods, breaks the pattern that you have been following from months or years. Bringing about this instrumental change has a positive effect and ignites a new self-discipline. It helps you calm your senses and channelize your energy in a positive direction.
Improves Health
Fasting, in general aids weight loss much more effectively than dieting. It is the safest way to shed those pounds and control the structure of your body. It helps in improving your metabolism rate to burn through calories effectively and it also strengthens your immune system.
Health Alert!
Fast food chains have commercialised this, otherwise, healthy festival by introducing the “Navratri Special”. Do not fall for it! Maintain the sanctity of the festival to let your body actually cleanse itself and gear up to beat the heat!