Navaratri and Weight Reduction

This is the Navaratri season and it is just concluding. Celebrations are on in various parts of India and the world, in different forms and traditions. There are distinct features for celebrating the event according to local practices and customs. Those who celebrate the period as per ancient practices continue to do so, as they have been doing for generations. 

Modren corporate environment cannot be left behind. It has not only developed its own celebrating culture, but also making full use of all modren tools including the latest addition. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere in such celebrations, right from generating innumerable and unbelievable images to greet near and dear ones and also those far and in-between. 

There are dress codes with different colour of dresses for each day. Earlier we believed that it depended on the wardrobe of the Head of HR, but now it appears to have stabilised. There are mandatory photos followed by sumptuous lunches and so on.

Celebration photos and videos are shared online immediately, and often live. There may be a select breed who may dispense with their own celebrations in order to make time to watch other's celebration live online. After all, sacrificing one's own celebration is also a great contributor. It is possible to be selfless even in these times, you know. One doesn't know whether fashion industry is boosting the celebrations or festive fervour is boosting the fashion industry. It may even be both and complementary to each other.

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There are two "Navaratri" celebrations every year, though the word Navaratri makes most think of the one in the month of September - October in the calendar. As per the lunar calendar, the nine days period starting each half-year is a "Navaratri". The one in the month of Chaitra (starting from Ugadi day) is known as "Vasanta Navaratri" and ends with "Sri Rama Navami". The one starting in the month of Aswina (Ashwayuja) (which is now getting concluded) is known as Sharat Navaratri or "Sharannavaratri". The first heralds Vasanta Ritu while the second brings in Sharadritu. 

Sharannavaratri has three major types of celebrations:

• Recital of "Srinivasa Kalyana" as depicted in "Bhavishyottara Purana", for a period of 9 days. The tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, coincides with the "Brahma Rathotsavam" of Sri Srinivasa at Tirumala (Tirupati).
• Recital and more particularly, enactment of "Ramayana" in the form of "Ramlila". The celebrations end with burning the effigies of Ravana and others, signifying the victory of the good over evil.
• Recital of "Durga Saptashati" or "Chandi Path" during the nine day period. 

There are other celebrations as well during the period according to local customs and practices. In Karnataka, it is a grand "Nada Habba", meaning a celbration for the entire state.

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"Durga Saptashati" refers to Seven hundred shlokas of Chapters 81 to 93 (some include one or two other chapters also) of Sri Markandeya Purana, said to have been told to Sri Markandeya by Chaturmukha Brahma. The recital typically covers the following:

• Devi Kavacha: These 61 shlokas (some say 47) are like an armour for a soldier, as the word Kavacha suggests. This recital is to work as spiritual shield to protect the body and mind of the reciter during the period of recital. This is to prevent any influence of negative forces that defeat the objective of the process. 
• Argala Stotra: These 27 shlokas are recited to remove obstacles and instil concentration during the recital. 
• Keelaka: These 16 shlokas are like key to the hidden deeper meanings of the chant. The full range of the secret learnings are to be unlocked by chanting this.
• Saptashati: The seven hundred verses from Markandeya Purana, that sing the praise of Mother Godess.

The "Nava Durga" forms are worshipped during the chants, as per details available in the Kavacha.

Devout chanters take cold water bath before starting the chants (as well at the conclusion, if there is such practice). The whole process takes three to four hours. They usually stay on one meal a day at noon and devote the evenings to other allied prayers. It is a very rigorous exercise and done with full devotion.

Many have the practice of doing this parayana (or in parts for paucity of time) even on other days as well (outside Navaratri).

The popular chant shlokas "Ya devi sarvabhuteshu....." are a part of this Saptashati and come from the 82nd Chapter of Markandeya Purana.

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Obesity or being "Overweight" is a major health issue for many. It is "Mother of all diseases". Younger generations believe in "being fit", whatever it means. "Weight reduction" programs are routinely advised by doctors to heavy patients. GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) is a FDA approved medication line that puts people on weight-loss actions. Available as injections, and now as tablets, this medication helps patients by sending signals to the brain during food consumption process that the stomach is full. Many people take this medication to lose weight.

Some young people take to "Intermittent Fasting" to reduce weight. It is nothing but cycles of eating and fasting. Modren research has shown that fasting and eating alternately or fasting in between eating (call it eating in between fasting if you so like), helps reduce weight. Some drink hot water in the morning, have a lunch just before noon and a meal just before sunset. There is no worry of breakfast or dinner. This, they say makes then energised and helps lose weight.

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Modren research is fast finding many innovative methods of medicine and living methods. The latest entrant to the drinks in top demand is "Turmeric Latte". Latte in Italian means "Milk". In other words, it is turmeric (and some black pepper) mixed with Milk! Our grandmothers have been using this for centuries as a home remedy for cold and allied infections. They did not have the benefits of laboratory research.

Our system of Ekadashi, Monday or Saturday fasting, Shivaratri, were nothing but intermittent fasting. But it was not acceptable. 

Those doing "Durga Saptashati" or "Chandi path" chanting are also on such program with one meal a day for nine days. They get the mental and spiritual satisfaction as well as physical benefits of weight loss programs. 

Maybe, next year some research organisation may unearth this truth and there may be regular "Saptashati tours to India" from other countries, as a part of weight reduction process!

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on record of being on fast for the entire nine days of Navaratri by consuming only hot water. He attends to all his duties without exception, including undertaking rigorous international tours.

There may not be any takers for such 9-day weight reduction tour.