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From the desk of Dr. Nandita Shah...
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My work largely involves helping people make lifestyle changes for the better, in order to get well. I know how challenging it is to make a change. The most difficult thing is to start. Once you begin, it’s easy. It’s the change that is difficult, not the new habit.
This is because we are creatures of habit. Most of our celebrations are done through rituals that have been passed on from generation to generation. Like our food habits, with each generation our festivities become more extravagant and more destructive to the environment. There’s almost no festival where the celebrations don’t harm the environment or other living beings.
Whether it’s the kite-flying festival that injures so many birds or the festival of sacrifices with so many animals being killed to appease a God that never demanded bloodshed or the festival where cobras are force-fed cow’s milk – something totally unnatural to them. Millions of idols made from plaster of Paris pollute water bodies nationwide, killing billions of animals and causing irreparable damage. This was never the intent, but it is now a ritual.
Festival after festival, there are the colours, the fireworks, the loudspeakers, disposable decorations, the new clothes and the heavy food that harms one’s health. Diwali is the festival of light, but thanks to all the fireworks polluting the air, it can be a time for respiratory problems. It is possible to celebrate with health and compassion instead. The start may be difficult, but it’s well worth it.
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Gift Health. Spread Happiness
It’s the season of love & light. Why not, this Diwali, light up the health for yourself, your loved ones, animals, and the planet too? Do something different this Diwali and gift yourself or others our amazing workshops or books that are geared towards both mental and physical well-being.
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'I want my celebrations to bring happiness not just to my family but also to animals and our planet.'
SHARAN facilitator Vandana Tiwari shares how festivals have helped her teach important lessons to her children.
Diwali has always been a time of happiness, family, food, and togetherness. However, over the years, I have started looking at this beautiful festival a little differently. I want my celebrations to bring happiness not just to my family, but also to animals and our planet.
One of my favourite Diwali traditions is cleaning our home. I remember involving my children in cleaning, taking one drawer at a time, sorting our belongings, and deciding what we really needed. I wanted them to understand from a young age that we don’t have to keep buying new things when we already have enough. Instead of buying new clothes every Diwali, I prefer wearing what I already have in good condition. For me, this is a small but meaningful way to teach our children the value of simplicity and mindful living.
I also love decorating with traditional earthen diyas, fresh flowers, and natural rangoli made with petals and leaves. I prefer reusable decorations and thoughtful gifts like plants or homemade treats instead of unnecessary packaging. I avoid firecrackers.
I also enjoy showing my family that festive food can be delicious without dairy and unnecessary processed ingredients. I involve them in the cooking process too. Also, extended family gatherings are so much easier now as everyone understands our choices and respects them and I am so ever grateful to them for that.
I believe the most beautiful lessons we can give our children are through our everyday actions. When they help us declutter, prepare food, reuse things, and care for others, they learn that happiness doesn’t come from buying more; it comes from sharing more and wasting less.
We don’t have to change everything overnight. Let us begin with small steps, involve our families, and inspire others through our actions.
Recipe - Malai Pedha
These simple-to-make tasty pedhas come with the special ingredients of love, compassion, and hygiene – something that FDA Inspector Tukaram Munde would approve!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup cashew flour
- 2-3 tbsp desiccated coconut/ shredded dried coconut
- 3 tbsp crumbled extra-firm tofu
- 3-4 tbsp dry dates (kharek) powder
- ⅛ tsp unrefined salt
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp date paste
- 2-3 tsp non-dairy milk, if required
- A few halved pistachios, for decoration
Method
Mix together the almond flour, cashew flour, desiccated coconut, tofu, dry dates powder, salt and cardamom. Add the date paste, bring everything together, and roll the mixture into small balls. If the mixture is not binding together well, add non-dairy milk and form small balls. Flatten the balls into thick discs. Place a pistachio piece in the centre of each disc and press in. This can be consumed as is or can be baked in a pre-heated oven at 180 °C for 5-6 minutes.
Note
This recipe uses many nuts. Please keep your nut limit in mind if you are working on disease reversal.
Makes about 12-15 pedhas
Food For The Mind
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Infuse health into festivities
True enjoyment comes with health. It’s hard to enjoy celebrations if we are unwell. During festivals, weddings and special occasions, we often destroy our health with the wrong food, lack of sleep and maybe even stress. Instead, we can celebrate the same occasions consciously with health, mindfulness and joy. Find out how…
1. Be open to being different
Most of us simply do what others do. Instead, you can lead through example and make a difference. It may take time, but people will follow you.
2. Understand what you are celebrating
Sadly, most celebrations have now become all about the invites, decor, food, clothing, photographs and show of opulence. We seem to have lost sight of what is important. Take some time and reflect upon the ‘why’, then the ‘how’ will become easy.
3. Plan things differently
Think long-term and plan things with low wastage in mind. From e-invites and eco-friendly practices to thoughtful gifting to plant-based food, so much can be done for the better.
4. Involve others
Instead of having a birthday party, why not spend some time in an orphanage or an old age home? Or go for a tree plantation drive on one of the Diwali days?
5. Gift sensibly
Most of us own so many things now that we have stopped valuing anything. Thoughtful gestures make a difference. Consider gifting air-purifying plants that are easy to maintain. Why not make healthy sweets yourself as gifts? Gratitude books or experiences and workshops that will be cherished are great ideas too.
6. Be mindful
Of what and how much you eat and what you say and do. Eat at home or choose food carefully. Leave a celebration in time to ensure a restful sleep. If no one else, your body will thank you.
7. Support newbies
Support young or new conscious entrepreneurs, designers, bakers, home chefs, decorators, etc. who are trying to make a difference.
8. Have limits
Overindulgence reduces the fun! When you party selectively, you truly enjoy yourself.
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All Events
Most of our events are online now, so you can join us from anywhere in the world. Click to know more…
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| What is SHARAN? |
Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals
and Nature (SHARAN) is a social enterprise with
the goal of spreading awareness about holistic
health and an ecologically sustainable and
compassionate lifestyle.
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| Compiled & Edited by: |
This newsletter is compiled by SHARAN Head of Mumbai, Reyna K Rupani. She facilitates the Six Weeks to Health Gain & Weight Loss program and also conducts health talks for schools, groups, corporates and more.
Oct 2026 | Issue: 280
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