As Diwali lights start glowing across homes and cities, most people focus on the usual celebrations, family gatherings, festive sweets, gift shopping, and decorating homes with diyas and rangoli. For many, Diwali is simply the celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. But spiritual leader Sadhguru has given this festival a fascinating twist, one rooted not just in mythology, but in science, geography, and human health.
In a recent Instagram reel, Sadhguru explained that Diwali is not just a festival, but also a natural and energetic reset that helps the human body align with seasonal changes. He linked the rituals of Diwali, lighting lamps, playing music, and creating liveliness, to ancient wisdom that understood how seasonal shifts affect human energy and wellbeing.
What Happens During Trayodashi of Karthikamasa?
According to Sadhguru, the days around Diwali, starting from Trayodashi in the lunar month of Karthikamasa, mark a crucial transition in nature. As winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, everything from plants to animals begins to slow down. Humans are no exception.
“From the Trayodashi of Karthikamasa, things change. In a way, there is a slowdown in life. These changes are happening to us, to our bodies, to the plants, to the animals, everything is happening,” he explains.
This natural deceleration, he says, affects both our physical and mental state. As daylight decreases and temperatures fall, people often experience fatigue, lower motivation, and weaker immunity. Without conscious effort, this can lead to low moods and illness.
How Seasonal Changes Affect the Body and Mind
Sadhguru draws a direct connection between Diwali and how our body responds to seasonal transitions. He says the festival’s traditions, such as lighting diyas and creating joyful surroundings, were not random rituals, but functional tools to keep energy levels high during the darker months.
“You see, everything slows down, but if you slow down within yourself, mentally, you will become a little dim. Physically, if you slow down, you will become susceptible to various ailments that you may not be susceptible to if your body is vibrant in life,” he explains.
In simple terms, Diwali rituals are energy boosters. Lighting lamps symbolises light, but it also adds warmth and brightness to the home. Music and laughter stimulate mental activity. Social gatherings create emotional vibrancy. Together, they help prevent the seasonal dullness that comes with reduced sunlight and colder weather.
Dhanteras and Dhanvantri: The Link Between Health and Festivity
One of the key highlights of Sadhguru’s explanation is the significance of Dhanteras, also known as Dhanvantri Trayodashi, which marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. This day, he says, is rooted in Ayurveda and health science, not merely wealth and gold shopping.
“This is why the whole thing about Dhanavantri, the science of health and well-being, must be kept alive till the 14th of January. Everything must be kept alive,” he says.
According to him, the season between Dhanteras and mid-January (around Makar Sankranti) is when our body’s energy is at its lowest. Hence, maintaining light, warmth, and liveliness in the home during this period is vital for physical resilience and mental alertness.
“You need music, you need more light, you need lamp light, you need all kinds of things to keep the atmosphere alive for yourself so that you don't sink and do not become susceptible to various negative forces,” Sadhguru adds.
The Functional Purpose Behind Diwali Celebrations
Sadhguru’s explanation beautifully connects spirituality and practicality. He suggests that Diwali rituals were designed not just for devotion, but for balance, helping humans stay in harmony with nature.
The lights, laughter, and activity are all part of a functional science, a way to recharge our energy, uplift our mood, and build immunity during the winter shift. In other words, Diwali is therapy through festivity.
This doesn’t take away from its spiritual meaning, instead, it adds depth, showing how ancient Indian wisdom understood the rhythm of nature and built festivals around it.
Why Sadhguru’s View Makes Sense in Today’s World
In modern times, when people often associate Diwali only with sweets, shopping, or social media posts, Sadhguru’s message serves as a gentle reminder. The festival isn’t just about outer celebration, it’s about inner rejuvenation.
By lighting diyas, cleaning spaces, and staying active during this seasonal transition, we’re following an ancient design that keeps our mind bright, body energised, and spirit connected to the natural world.
So, this Diwali, when you light a lamp, remember, you’re not just keeping a tradition alive; you’re keeping your own energy, health, and happiness alive too.
Inputs from TOI
In a recent Instagram reel, Sadhguru explained that Diwali is not just a festival, but also a natural and energetic reset that helps the human body align with seasonal changes. He linked the rituals of Diwali, lighting lamps, playing music, and creating liveliness, to ancient wisdom that understood how seasonal shifts affect human energy and wellbeing.
What Happens During Trayodashi of Karthikamasa?
According to Sadhguru, the days around Diwali, starting from Trayodashi in the lunar month of Karthikamasa, mark a crucial transition in nature. As winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, everything from plants to animals begins to slow down. Humans are no exception.
“From the Trayodashi of Karthikamasa, things change. In a way, there is a slowdown in life. These changes are happening to us, to our bodies, to the plants, to the animals, everything is happening,” he explains.
This natural deceleration, he says, affects both our physical and mental state. As daylight decreases and temperatures fall, people often experience fatigue, lower motivation, and weaker immunity. Without conscious effort, this can lead to low moods and illness.
How Seasonal Changes Affect the Body and Mind
Sadhguru draws a direct connection between Diwali and how our body responds to seasonal transitions. He says the festival’s traditions, such as lighting diyas and creating joyful surroundings, were not random rituals, but functional tools to keep energy levels high during the darker months.
“You see, everything slows down, but if you slow down within yourself, mentally, you will become a little dim. Physically, if you slow down, you will become susceptible to various ailments that you may not be susceptible to if your body is vibrant in life,” he explains.
In simple terms, Diwali rituals are energy boosters. Lighting lamps symbolises light, but it also adds warmth and brightness to the home. Music and laughter stimulate mental activity. Social gatherings create emotional vibrancy. Together, they help prevent the seasonal dullness that comes with reduced sunlight and colder weather.
Dhanteras and Dhanvantri: The Link Between Health and Festivity
One of the key highlights of Sadhguru’s explanation is the significance of Dhanteras, also known as Dhanvantri Trayodashi, which marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. This day, he says, is rooted in Ayurveda and health science, not merely wealth and gold shopping.
“This is why the whole thing about Dhanavantri, the science of health and well-being, must be kept alive till the 14th of January. Everything must be kept alive,” he says.
According to him, the season between Dhanteras and mid-January (around Makar Sankranti) is when our body’s energy is at its lowest. Hence, maintaining light, warmth, and liveliness in the home during this period is vital for physical resilience and mental alertness.
“You need music, you need more light, you need lamp light, you need all kinds of things to keep the atmosphere alive for yourself so that you don't sink and do not become susceptible to various negative forces,” Sadhguru adds.
The Functional Purpose Behind Diwali Celebrations
Sadhguru’s explanation beautifully connects spirituality and practicality. He suggests that Diwali rituals were designed not just for devotion, but for balance, helping humans stay in harmony with nature.
The lights, laughter, and activity are all part of a functional science, a way to recharge our energy, uplift our mood, and build immunity during the winter shift. In other words, Diwali is therapy through festivity.
This doesn’t take away from its spiritual meaning, instead, it adds depth, showing how ancient Indian wisdom understood the rhythm of nature and built festivals around it.
Why Sadhguru’s View Makes Sense in Today’s World
In modern times, when people often associate Diwali only with sweets, shopping, or social media posts, Sadhguru’s message serves as a gentle reminder. The festival isn’t just about outer celebration, it’s about inner rejuvenation.
By lighting diyas, cleaning spaces, and staying active during this seasonal transition, we’re following an ancient design that keeps our mind bright, body energised, and spirit connected to the natural world.
So, this Diwali, when you light a lamp, remember, you’re not just keeping a tradition alive; you’re keeping your own energy, health, and happiness alive too.
Inputs from TOI
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