Ayurveda, often referred to as the science of life, offers valuable insights into our well-being. It identifies three primary Doshas within our bodies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These Doshas are influenced by various factors, including our dietary choices, lifestyle, the climate of our environment, and the changing seasons.Ancient acharyas devised customs and celebrations interwoven with religion and festivals, aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of seasonal changes and the surrounding atmosphere.
According to Ayurveda, the “autumn season” spans the last two months of the Indian calendar. During this period, the Pitta Dosha becomes aggravated within our bodies, rendering us more susceptible to various ailments. Common health issues that arise during this time include a heightened sense of internal heat, flu, skin disorders, urinary infections, and hyperacidity. The broader society also grapples with diseases like Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya. Malaria is commonly associated with mosquito bites, and an average person may experience 700-800 mosquito bites annually, amounting to around 100,000 bites over 70 years. However, most individuals contract malaria only once or twice a year, illustrating that the likelihood of getting malaria solely from mosquito bites is around 1%.
It is widely understood that bacteria require specific environments to thrive. Just as yogurt cannot be produced by simply adding a small amount of yogurt to milk—requiring warmth and a covered environment—similarly, malaria-causing pathogens develop in a “pitta” environment within the body, spreading rapidly in about four days. Controlling pitta levels is within our control while avoiding mosquito bites or microscopic pests is not.
Traditions often hold practical wisdom. The significance of consuming “Kheer” during this season lies in its ability to counteract pitta. As the rainy season transitions into autumn, the absence of clouds and dust in the sky leads to intense sunlight, exacerbating pitta within the body. This season also sees a proliferation of mosquitoes due to water accumulation in pits, increasing the risk of malaria
On the night of Sharad Purnima (full moon day of the Hindu lunar month, Ashwin-marking end of monsoon season), Kheer is placed in a silver vessel under the moonlight for the entire night and then consumed in the morning. This specific Kheer helps reduce pitta outbreaks in the body.
In Ayurveda, this season is regarded as the harbinger of diseases, with the root cause being the increased Pitta Dosha in our bodies. Hence, reducing Pitta Dosha through dietary choices can provide protection against these diseases. Consequently, our Rishis (sages) have incorporated a diet centered around A2 Milk into our religious and festival traditions to mitigate Pitta Dosha.
Ayurveda extols the virtues of A2 cow’s milk for its Pitta-reducing properties.A2 Cow’s milk is inherently cool and sweet, fortifying the body and enhancing inner strength, referred to as “Ojus” in Ayurveda. It is considered the quintessential vitality-boosting elixir. Therefore, celebrating this festival under the soothing moonlight while consuming dishes like kheer (rice pudding) and A2 milk helps cool the body, reduce Pitta Dosha, and mitigate the risk of numerous diseases.
Beyond dietary considerations, our Rishis have provided guidance for an entire lifestyle during the autumn season. This includes the incorporation of A2 milk and pudding (kheer) into religious rituals during the month of Bhadra and their continuation through Navratri and Sharad Purnima.
In conclusion, while the significance of A2 milk in our diet as traditional kheer during Sharad Purnima is well-founded in Ayurveda, it is essential to note that modern dietary choices are deviating from this wisdom. Today, the consumption of A2 milk decreases, and the prevalence of fast food diminishes the overall quality of everyone’s health.
