Gudi Padwa is a spring festival that marks the beginning of the new year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus, but is also celebrated by other Hindus as well It is a time of joy, gratitude, and hope for a prosperous future. But for diabetics, it can also be a time of stress, temptation, and guilt. 

As a renowned Diabetes Wellbeing Coach and Diabetes Reversal Expert, I have helped thousands of diabetics overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. In this article, I will share with you the 7 secrets to a healthy and happy Gudi Padwa that will not only keep your blood sugar levels in check, but also boost your mood, energy, and immunity.

Secret #1: Start your day with a positive affirmation. 

Do you know what is the first thing you should do on Gudi Padwa? 

No, it’s not hoisting the gudi or drawing the rangoli. It’s saying a positive affirmation to yourself.

A positive affirmation is a statement that expresses your desired outcome or state of mind. For example, you can say “I am healthy and happy” or “I am in control of my diabetes” or “I am grateful for this new year”. Saying a positive affirmation first thing in the morning can set the tone for your day and help you overcome negative thoughts and emotions. It can also motivate you to take action towards your goals and cope with challenges.

So, before you get out of bed on Gudi Padwa, take a few minutes to say a positive affirmation to yourself. You can also write it down on a piece of paper and stick it somewhere you can see it throughout the day. Repeat it as often as you can and feel the difference.

Secret #2: Plan your meals ahead of time. 

One of the biggest challenges for diabetics on Gudi Padwa is resisting the temptation of festive foods. From shrikhand puri to basundi to modak, there are so many delicious dishes that can spike your blood sugar levels and cause complications.

But that doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of all the fun and flavor. You can still enjoy some of your favorite foods if you plan your meals ahead of time and make smart choices.

Here are some tips to help you plan your meals on Gudi Padwa:

– Check your blood sugar levels before and after each meal to monitor how different foods affect you.

– Balance your carbs with protein and healthy fats to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes.

– Choose whole grains over refined grains, such as brown rice over white rice or whole wheat flour over maida.

– Opt for low-fat dairy products over full-fat ones, such as skimmed milk over whole milk or low-fat yogurt over shrikhand.

– Use natural sweeteners like jaggery, honey, or stevia instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners.

– Limit your portion sizes and avoid overeating or bingeing.

– Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.

Secret #3: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. 

Another way to keep your blood sugar levels stable and improve your overall health is to incorporate physical activity into your routine. Physical activity can help you burn calories, lower your blood pressure, improve your insulin sensitivity, reduce stress, and enhance your mood.

But how can you find time to exercise on such a busy day? 

The answer is simple: make it fun and festive!

Here are some ideas to help you incorporate physical activity into your Gudi Padwa routine:

– Join the colorful processions (shobhayatras) that take place in many parts of Maharashtra and Goa. You can walk, dance, play music, or perform with others while enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival.

– Participate in traditional games like fugdi or kabbadi with your family and friends. These games can help you bond with your loved ones while boosting your physical fitness.

– Do some yoga or meditation in the morning or evening. These practices can help you relax your mind and body while improving your flexibility, balance, and strength.

– Do some household chores like cleaning, decorating, or cooking. These activities can help you burn some calories while preparing for the festival.

Secret #4: Celebrate with moderation and Mindfulness. 

Gudi Padwa is a time to celebrate with your family, friends, and community. But that doesn’t mean you have to go overboard and indulge in everything that comes your way. Celebrate with moderation and mindfulness, and you will be able to enjoy the festival without feeling guilty or regretful.

Here are some tips to help you celebrate with moderation and mindfulness on Gudi Padwa:

– Be selective about what you eat and drink. Choose the foods that you really love and savor them slowly. Avoid mindless snacking or drinking, and stop when you are full.

– Be aware of your emotions and triggers. Sometimes, we eat or drink more than we need because we are bored, stressed, lonely, or unhappy. If you feel any of these emotions, try to find healthy ways to cope with them, such as talking to someone, listening to music, reading a book, or doing something creative.

– Be respectful of others’ choices and preferences. Don’t force anyone to eat or drink something they don’t want to, and don’t let anyone pressure you to do the same. Respect your own limits and boundaries, and respect those of others as well.

– Be grateful for what you have and what you can share. Gudi Padwa is a time to express your gratitude for the blessings in your life and the opportunities for growth and prosperity.

 

– Thank the people who have supported you, helped you, and loved you. Share your joy and happiness with others, and spread positivity and kindness.

Secret #5: Follow the traditional rituals with devotion. 

Gudi Padwa is not just a cultural festival, but also a spiritual one. It is a day to honor Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, and Lord Vishnu, the preserver of life. It is also a day to welcome the new year with optimism and enthusiasm.

– Following the traditional rituals of Gudi Padwa can help you connect with your faith and your heritage. It can also help you attract good luck, fortune, and health for yourself and your loved ones.

– Clean your house and decorate it with rangoli, mango leaves, marigold flowers, cow dung cakes, etc. This symbolizes cleansing your mind and heart of negativity and inviting positivity into your life.

– Hoist the gudi at your house entrance or balcony. The gudi is a flag made of a metal pot (kalash) decorated with a colorful cloth and a garland of flowers, mango leaves, neem leaves, etc. It is attached to the top end of a bamboo stick. The gudi symbolizes victory over evil, protection from harm, and prosperity for the new year.

– Perform puja of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu by offering prayers, davna (a fragrant plant), havan (fire offerings), etc. This symbolizes worshipping the supreme powers that govern the universe and seeking their blessings for yourself and your family.

– Listen to the panchang shravan (reading of the almanac) by a priest or an elder. This symbolizes learning about the auspicious timings, dates, festivals, etc. for the new year and planning accordingly.

– Eat neem leaves mixed with jaggery or sugar. This symbolizes accepting both the bitter and sweet aspects of life with equanimity.

Secret #6: Learn something new or do something creative. 

Gudi Padwa is a day to celebrate new beginnings and new possibilities. It is a day to embrace change and growth in your life. It is also a day to unleash your creativity and express yourself.

– Learning something new or doing something creative on Gudi Padwa can help you stimulate your mind, expand your horizons, and discover new talents. It can also help you have fun, relax, and enjoy yourself.

Here are some ideas to help you learn something new or do something creative on Gudi Padwa:

– Learn a new skill or hobby that interests you. It could be anything from cooking to painting to gardening to playing an instrument. You can join a class online or offline or learn from a friend or a family member.

– Do something creative that showcases your personality. It could be anything from writing a poem to making a collage to designing a dress to singing a song. You can share it with others or keep it for yourself.

– Do something adventurous that challenges you. It could be anything from hiking to biking to camping to rafting. You can do it alone or with others.

Secret #7: Give back to society. 

Gudi Padwa is not only a time to celebrate yourself, but also a time to celebrate others. It is a time to give back to society and make a positive difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than you.

Giving back to society on Gudi Padwa can help you cultivate a sense of generosity, compassion, and gratitude. It can also help you create a ripple effect of kindness and goodwill that can inspire others to do the same.

Here are some ideas to help you give back to society on Gudi Padwa:

Donate money or goods to a charity or a cause that you care about. You can choose from various organizations that work for children, women, animals, environment, health, education, etc. You can also donate online or offline, depending on your convenience.

Volunteer your time or skills to a community service project or an event that benefits others. You can join a group of volunteers or start your own initiative. You can also choose from various activities like teaching, cleaning, planting, cooking, etc.

Share your knowledge or experience with someone who can benefit from it. You can mentor a student, a colleague, or a friend who needs guidance or support. 

You can also teach a skill, a language, or a subject that you are good at.

Spread awareness or advocacy for an issue that matters to you. 

You can use social media, blogs, podcasts, videos, etc. to inform and educate others about the issue. You can also sign petitions, join campaigns, or attend rallies that support the cause.

 *Conclusion* 

Gudi Padwa is a wonderful festival that offers you many opportunities to celebrate your health and happiness. 

By following these 7 secrets, you can make the most of this festival and enjoy it without compromising your well-being.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.

I wish you all a very happy and healthy Gudi Padwa!