Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is a Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga. This year, autumn Navratri takes place from October 15th - October 24th. The festival is commemorated with the idea that good always reigns over evil.

By: Sajel Jani

There is a range of activities that Hindus participate in to celebrate Navratri, including aarti (a Hindu ritual/ceremony), fasting, and garba (an ethnic dance originating in Gujarat, a state in western India). For someone recovering from an eating disorder, certain aspects of the holiday can be harmful, and it may be wise not to engage in activities that could hinder their recovery journey.

How is Navratri Celebrated?

The way Hindus observe Navratri varies for each person and family. Those practicing the Hindu religion celebrate the Divine Feminine overall, sometimes specifically the goddess Durga for achieving victory in a battle. Rama, an incarnation of the Lord Vishnu, was expected to worship the goddess for nine days straight - which is where Navratri came from.

The practice of the Hindu religious identity looks different across the diaspora and is influenced by geography and the linguistic and ethnic diversity of the country. Some people fast for nine days straight, eating only “approved” foods such as water, chai tea, fruits, and nuts. More typically eaten foods, such as rice, roti (Indian flatbread), and dal (vegetarian side dish), are not approved because of their repetitive nature in the classic Hindu diet. People participate in the fast in different ways and to different degrees, and sometimes not at all. There are also general “recommendations” to avoid consuming alcohol and meats (although a majority of practicing Hindus are vegetarian and abstain from consuming meat products altogether).

Most people participate in garba, and how frequently one may participate depends on the person as well - some may go out dancing every night, while others may only go once throughout the nine nights.

Participating in Fasting and Garba

It is imperative that those who choose to fast and attend garba have a healthy relationship between food, their body, and their mind. Discussing this situation with their loved ones, treatment team, and spiritual leaders in their community can help those in eating disorder recovery make this difficult decision. It is suggested to carefully consider whether fasting will help refocus spirituality and lead towards peace, or if it may cause health difficulties at this time and lead to spiritual conflict. Additionally, for Hindus who are planning on going to garba at night, it is especially important that their bodies are kept nourished throughout the day to ensure a healthy and joyful dance experience.

Three Takeaways for Navigating Navratri in Eating Disorder Recovery

Fast Using Something Other than Food

Hindus engage in fasting with food to show that they are disciplined and can please their gods and pursue their blessings. However, there are many ways to still maintain spirituality and “fast” during Navratri, without using food. These tips and tricks include fasting from:

Social media or technology
Negative self-talk
Comparing yourself to others
Buying something that you frequently purchase, but don’t necessarily need
The news
Materialistic items

Make a Set Plan

Knowing when you may have in meals, what you will eat for meals, and when you will be celebrating Navratri in other ways can help add structure to these nine nights and help you stay recovery-focused. Pack a snack to bring with you to garba, for example!

Designate a Support Person

Having another person who understands both your religious and spiritual affiliations and your eating disorder recovery is a wonderful way to help you successfully get through Navratri. Find a family member, friend, or other loved one to help guide you through this process of observing Navratri and staying true to your core values. It is always okay to lean on others for support!

Overall, it is important to recognize what can help or harm your mental health and your recovery journey. Regardless of your religious or spiritual traditions, the bottom line is always the same: It is never a wrong decision to prioritize your own well-being. So, during Navratri, make sure to celebrate in a way that is beneficial to you and helps you thrive.

You may notice that eating disorder triggers and urges seem to come up more frequently, especially with the holidays right around the corner. BALANCE’s new Holiday Headstart 12-Day Intensive can guide you toward lasting recovery. Get tools to jumpstart your recovery, expert guidance from our experienced, compassionate team, actionable steps to build into your everyday routine to solidify your recovery, concentrated care to help you build resilience this holiday season, and more. Learn more about our limited-time Holiday Headstart 12-Day Intensive here.

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This post was written by BALANCE Clinical Intern, Sajel Jani (she/her).

Sajel Jani is currently in her final year of Columbia University’s MSW program and holds a B.A. in Psychology from The College of New Jersey. Her passion lies in supporting clients on their eating disorder recovery journey, including finding confidence, self-empowerment, and what is considered healthy for them. Sajel is an active fighter against diet culture on social media and strives to spread messages of self-love and acceptance. Ultimately, she wants to pursue a career where she can help those struggling with an eating disorder discover the life they deserve without an eating disorder. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, going for walks, and reading. Sajel is excited and eager to learn from the talented staff at BALANCE and aid clients in their journeys toward recovery.

Reference

“Dancers Perform Garba in Helmets in Surat to Promote Road Safety: Navratri Festival, Navratri Garba, Indian Festivals.” Pinterest, 30 June 2023, www.pinterest.com/pin/43136108924617964/.