As Navratri approaches, it's important to know what food options align with the festival's fasting guidelines. Fruits like bananas and apples provide essential nutrients to keep you nourished throughout the day. Spices and herbs can also be used, but table salt should be avoided. Options like yogurt and dishes made with Singhara Atta are recommended, while meat, fish, and eggs are to be strictly avoided. Garlic, onion, and certain oils should also be left out of your Navratri meals.
Digital Fasting: A Path to Detox and Rejuvenation
Digital technology has become an integral part of our lives, but its constant presence can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. In recent years, the concept of "digital fasting" has emerged as a way to combat the negative effects of excessive screen time and reclaim a sense of balance and connection.
Digital fasting involves abstaining from all digital devices for a specific period, typically ranging from a few hours to several days. During this time, individuals focus on activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and engagement with the real world.
Benefits of Digital Fasting
Research has shown that digital fasting can provide numerous benefits, including:
Fasting Guidelines for Navratri
Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival, is a time for spiritual cleansing and fasting. During this period, devotees follow specific dietary guidelines to align with the festival's observances.
FAQs about Digital Fasting and Navratri Fasting
1. How long should I fast from digital devices?
The duration of a digital fast varies depending on individual preferences and goals. Some experts recommend starting with a few hours and gradually increasing the length as you become more comfortable.
2. What activities can I do during a digital fast?
Engage in activities that promote relaxation and real-world engagement, such as reading, writing, spending time in nature, exercising, or connecting with loved ones.
3. Is it difficult to break a digital fast?
Breaking a digital fast can be challenging, but it is essential to transition back to digital use gradually. Start by limiting screen time and gradually increase it over time.
4. How does Navratri fasting differ from digital fasting?
Navratri fasting focuses primarily on dietary restrictions, while digital fasting involves abstaining from digital devices. However, both types of fasting aim to cleanse the mind and body, promote spiritual growth, and reconnect individuals with their inner selves.
5. What are the potential risks of digital fasting?
While digital fasting can be beneficial, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have any underlying mental health conditions or rely heavily on digital devices for work or communication, consult a healthcare professional before engaging in a digital fast.
Stand In Truth is striving to expand resources and empowerment to underserved communities, including women, men, LGBTQ, youth, elders, people of color, and the formerly incarcerated. The organization aims to address social and economic injustice and implement training for sustainable positive outcomes. By providing education opportunities and life skills, Stand In Truth hopes to combat issues such as homelessness, substance abuse, community safety, and domestic violence. Through expertise and a focus on human rights and inclusion, the organization seeks to bring sustainable, effective solutions for personal development.
National Mathematics Day, celebrated on December 22 each year, honors the birth anniversary of the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. With its theme "Mathematics: The Bridge to Innovation and Progress," this day not only celebrates Ramanujan's contributions to mathematics but also highlights the vital role of mathematics in advancements in science and technology. The day was officially launched in 2012 by the then Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, to inspire and encourage young minds to develop problem-solving skills through mathematics. Despite Ramanujan's tragically short life, he continues to inspire generations with his remarkable findings in number theory and continued fractions.
During the official Christmas celebrations in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, expressed his appreciation for the Christian community's contributions to education and healthcare. He also announced several initiatives to support Dalit Christians and stressed upon the importance of religious equality in the state. The event concluded with the Chief Minister cutting a ceremonial Christmas cake and promoting unity among all religions in Telangana.
Rajkumar Hirani, director of the award-winning film PK, shares his experience of meeting Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and filming a crucial scene at his ashram during Mahashivratri. Despite his initial hesitation, Gurudev welcomed the team with open arms, showing his trust and faith in the director's vision. The encounter led Hirani to explore the spiritual aspects of meditation and eventually led him to practice and promote it amongst his team and family. Gurudev's impact on the director's life is now being recognized globally as the UN commemorates World Meditation Day on 21 December.
The Kurnool District Police in Andhra Pradesh received the prestigious ABCD Award for their exceptional investigation into a murder case in 2024. The department also ranked first in the state for resolving a total of 7,913 cases in the National Mega Lok Adalat. This successful initiative involved identifying eligible cases in advance and promoting mutual compromises, saving valuable court time. The DGP and Director General of Police praised and encouraged the police for their collaborative efforts.
Dhatri Mehta, a 21-year-old woman from Assam, has scored 99.99 percentile in CAT 2024, alongside another female candidate. Overall, 14 candidates have scored 100 percentile, of which only one is a woman. The provisional answer keys for CAT 2024 were released on December 3, and no changes were made after objections were raised. Experts predict that this year's exam was easier and expect a higher cut-off. A total of 2.93 lakh candidates appeared for CAT 2024, out of which 1.07 lakh were women and 1.86 lakh were men.
A terrible accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway in India resulted in a fiery collision between a gas tanker and a truck, claiming the lives of 13 individuals and injuring over 35 others. The incident occurred on Friday morning and the toll continues to rise as more people succumb to their burn injuries. The massive explosion and fire were triggered when the LPG tanker collided with the truck, leaving behind charred vehicles at the scene.
Renewable energy initiatives are making a significant impact in rural communities, particularly for women. In many regions, women's access to economic opportunities and education is hindered by a lack of reliable electricity. However, solar energy is now emerging as a game-changer, providing clean, affordable, and sustainable power to empower women and transform their lives. Solar energy skill development programs are also emerging, providing women with access to a range of solar-related jobs and allowing them to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By introducing solar-powered equipment, women can also save time and effort in performing daily tasks and generate income efficiently through solar-powered businesses.
The National Trust of Guernsey has received a generous donation of two acres of land on the south coast cliffs, which could become a thriving wildlife haven. The land, currently overgrown with brambles and bracken, will be cleared to encourage the growth of wildflowers and insect life. This donation is crucial for the Trust, as they do not have the resources to purchase land and rely on generous donations to preserve natural beauty on the island.
A catastrophic accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway has taken the lives of 11 people and left 35 injured after a collision between a LPG tanker and a truck caused a fiery explosion. The fire engulfed over 37 vehicles including a sleeper bus with 34 passengers on board, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The tragedy has left many families devastated and efforts are being made to provide immediate medical care to the injured.