From Navarathri to Diwali: Stay Healthy, Stay Safe This Rainy Season

    

 

The festive season is in full swing! Vijaya Dasami marks the end of Navarathri and Dussehra celebrations, bringing nine days of devotion, fasting, feasting, prayers and religious customs to a close. For many families, it is a time to return to their regular routines and prepare for the next big festival, Diwali, which is just a few days away.

During Navarathri, some people observe fasts and follow dietary restrictions, avoiding onion, garlic and certain vegetables. Once the festival ends, it is time to gradually return to a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, pulses and other nutritious foods.

With the rainy season bringing changes in weather, humidity and the risk of seasonal infections, this is the right time to focus on our health and well-being. A few simple changes in our food habits and daily routines can help us stay fit and prepare ourselves for the upcoming festivities.

Eat Well to Stay Healthy

Food plays an important role in maintaining our health. Include a variety of vegetables in your everyday meals and make use of seasonal produce wherever possible.

• Ginger and garlic: Add them to suitable dishes for flavour and variety.
• Turmeric: Use this familiar kitchen ingredient in your regular cooking.
• Amla and lemon: Include these sources of vitamin C in your diet.
• Sambar and rasam: Prepare nourishing, home-cooked meals with vegetables, spices and pulses.
• Fruits: Enjoy fruits such as oranges and guavas as part of a balanced diet.
• Almonds and nuts: Have a small portion as a snack.
• Warm milk: Enjoy a cup if it suits your dietary needs.

There is no need to make drastic changes to your diet overnight. If you have been fasting or following particular food restrictions, return to your regular meals gradually and eat according to your appetite.

Remember, no single food can prevent seasonal infections. A varied diet, adequate sleep, hydration and good hygiene work together to support overall health.

Keep Moving, Even When It Rains

Rainy weather may discourage us from going for our usual walks. Wet roads, waterlogging and slippery pathways can make outdoor exercise difficult. But that need not mean giving up physical activity altogether.

Make a little time for gentle exercise at home. Stretch your body, walk around indoors, practise simple movements or follow a suitable indoor workout. Even a short period of movement can help you maintain your routine.

Do not overexert yourself. The aim is to remain active, not to exhaust the body. If you have a medical condition or specific exercise restrictions, follow your doctor's advice.

Hygiene Is the First Step Towards Prevention

The rainy season calls for extra attention to personal hygiene and cleanliness at home. Damp surroundings and stagnant water can create conditions that encourage the spread of infections and mosquitoes.

Here are some simple habits to follow:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the toilet and after returning home from outside.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze. Encourage others to follow the same practice.
• Keep the kitchen clean and dry. Wipe countertops, clean the sink and avoid leaving water or food waste lying around.
• Maintain bathroom hygiene. Clean sinks, washbasins, toilets and frequently touched surfaces regularly, using appropriate cleaning products according to their labels.
• Wash clothes after wearing them, particularly if they have become damp with rain or sweat. Dry them thoroughly before wearing them again.
• Use an iron when appropriate to help ensure clothes are dry, but remember that ironing is not a substitute for proper washing and drying.
• Take a warm bath if you find it comfortable. Use clean towels and keep your bathing area free of slippery patches.

A clean home is a healthier home. Small, consistent efforts can make a significant difference.

Eat Warm Food and Drink Safe Water

During the rainy season, many of us prefer warm, freshly prepared food. This is a good opportunity to enjoy homemade meals such as idli, dosa, vegetable sambar, rasam and soups.

Eat food that has been cooked thoroughly and stored safely. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly and reheat them thoroughly before eating. Warm food is comforting, but it does not need to be piping hot.

Drink safe water throughout the day. Use a properly maintained water purifier or boil water when appropriate for your local water supply. Keep drinking-water containers clean and covered.

Be mindful of food and water hygiene when eating outside, too. Avoid food that has been left uncovered or exposed to flies and rain.

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

Rainwater collected in pots, discarded containers, tyres and other objects can become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Since mosquito-borne illnesses are a concern during the rainy season, prevention begins at home.

• Empty containers that collect water and check them regularly.
• Keep overhead tanks and water-storage containers covered.
• Use window screens, mosquito nets or suitable repellents.
• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs when practical.
• Follow local public-health advice during outbreaks.

Do not ignore persistent fever, severe body aches, unusual weakness or other concerning symptoms. Seek medical advice promptly instead of self-medicating.

Get Ready for Diwali, One Healthy Habit at a Time

Navarathri and Dussehra may be coming to an end, but the festive spirit continues. Before we immerse ourselves in Diwali preparations, shopping, cleaning, cooking and celebrations, let us give our bodies a little attention.

We often spend considerable time preparing our homes for festivals. Why not spend some time preparing ourselves, too?

Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, sleep well, exercise indoors when the weather prevents outdoor activity, maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean. These simple habits can help you feel more comfortable and prepared for the days ahead.

Health is not a festival that we celebrate once a year; it is a habit we practise every day.

As we bid farewell to Navarathri and welcome the next celebration, let us carry forward the spirit of renewal into our daily lives. With sensible food choices, cleanliness and preventive care, we can look forward to Diwali with greater confidence and well-being.

Stay healthy, stay safe, and have a happy and healthy Diwali!