It will be 25 May 2024 when the Sun enters Rohini Nakshatra from Kritika. Stay hydrated!
Do you know which is the hottest city in India during Navtapa? Its Barmer, Rajasthan, continues to be the hottest city in the country, with the highest recorded temperature during Navtapa at 48.8*C.
Drinking enough water, Bel sharbat, sugarcane juice, buttermilk, and lemon shikanji is recommended during summers, especially in Navtapa. Several states of India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are experiencing heat waves. In some regions, Navtapa can even reach 50 degrees Celsius, however, thunderstorms and little rain are common in the last two days.
That is why we say Save Trees and Plant as Much as you can. Because:
“One Tree, One Life”
What is Navtapa?
Navtapa in English translates to nine days of severe heat. It has significant in both astrology and cultural significance in India.
During these nine days, the sun is closest to the Earth, the sun’s rays are direct, and its effect is less due to Venus and Jupiter’s settings. It is why you are experiencing such intense heat. In this period, the sea and rivers evaporate water and absorb moisture from clouds.
Why did Navtapa happen?
In Vedic astrology, Nautapa links to the Sun’s position relative to a specific constellation, Rohini Nakshatra. The theory suggests that when the sun enters Rohini- it intensifies the heat for nine days.
From a scientific viewpoint, Nautapa’s timing coincides with the period when the Earth might be closest to the sun in its elliptical orbit. This closer proximity to the sun could contribute to increased heat.
However, the Earth’s distance variation throughout the year is relatively small, and other factors like atmospheric circulation likely play a bigger role in day-to-day temperature fluctuations.
When will Naupata happen?
Navtapa in India will begin this year on 25th May and continue till June 2. The Sun in Navtapa will enter the Rohini Nakshatra on 25th May at 3.17 PM and will remain there until June 8 on the second day of Krishna Paksha. These 9 days are known as Nautapa or Navtapa. So, the days of Jyeshta month are the hottest.
What are the benefits of Navtapa?
We Indians do not like scorching heat but Navtapa has potential benefits as per Hindu belief:
- Agriculture: The intense heat of Navtapa is fruitful for agriculture purposes. It is believed that the more intense the sun’s heat is, the better the monsoon will be. This will help in better yields. The heat also acts as a natural insect and pathogen killer in the soil.
- Health: While the extreme heat itself can be harsh, some traditions suggest it can have a positive long-term impact on health. The idea is that the intense heat reduces the population of insects and pests that might carry diseases.
- Cultural significance: Nautapa holds cultural importance in India. It’s a time for people to come together and follow traditional practices believed to bring good health and fortune.
What to do in Navtapa?
Here’s what you can do during Nautapa, keeping it unique and informative:
- Stay Cool and Hydrated: Nautapa brings the peak of summer. Prioritize staying cool. Limit strenuous activity outdoors during the hottest part of the day. Opt for cotton clothing that allows your body to breathe. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consume cooling beverages like coconut water, buttermilk (lassi), or fresh fruit juices diluted with water.
- Worship Surya Dev (Sun God): In Hinduism, the Sun is revered as Surya Dev. Offering prayers to Surya Dev during Nautapa is believed to bring prosperity and good health. You can perform a simple puja (offering) at home or visit a Sun temple.
- Provide water to the needy: Providing water to thirsty travelers or animals is considered a meritorious act during Nautapa. You can set up a small water station outside your home for birds or keep a bowl of water for any stray animals seeking relief from the heat.
- Ayurvedic Practices: Nautapa is a good time to incorporate Ayurvedic practices that focus on internal cooling. Consume cooling foods like fruits and vegetables with high water content. Consider consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized recommendations.
- Plant Trees: Planting trees during Nautapa is symbolic and practical. The act itself is considered auspicious, and trees provide much-needed shade in the long run. Choose native, drought-resistant varieties suitable for your climate.
What not to do in Nautapa?
Nautapa, the nine fiercest days of summer in India, can be a real scorcher. But fear not! With a little preparation and some smart practices, you can navigate this hot and dry period comfortably. Here are some survival tips to keep you cool and healthy during Nautapa:
- Do not skip water : Make water your constant companion. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip on it regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Aim for at least 3-4 liters per day.
- Do not wear dark clothes : Opt for loose-fitting, breathable cotton garments in light colors. Natural fibers allow for better sweat evaporation, keeping you cooler.
- Don’t forget sun protection : Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before stepping out.
- Avoid spicy foods : Minimize chilies and opt for milder spices like coriander, cumin, and fennel, which are believed to have cooling properties according to Ayurveda.
- Do not go out in the sun : Plan your outdoor activities in the mornings and evenings after 6PM. During the peak heat hours (usually between 10 am and 4 pm), stay indoors or find shady areas to avoid direct sunlight.
- Do not wake up late at night : Prioritize getting enough sleep. Adequate rest helps regulate body temperature and keeps you feeling energized. Take cooling showers or baths throughout the day to lower your body temperature.
How do people observe Navtapa in different parts of India?
Here’s a glimpse into how people observe Nautapa across various regions of India:
In North India:
In states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, devotees offer prayers to Surya Dev (Sun God) during Nautapa. Sharbat, a sweet and chilled beverage made with various fruits, seeds, and water, is a popular drink. Sattu, a flour made from roasted gram, is consumed for its believed cooling effect on the body. Some families might also enjoy cooling desserts like Shrikhand, a sweetened yogurt dish.
In Western India:
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, people celebrate “Aam Panna” showers. Aam Panna, a tangy drink made with raw mangoes and water, is thrown playfully on friends and family, symbolizing a welcome respite from the heat. Some communities in these regions observe partial fasting during Nautapa. Saved food grains or money are then donated to charity.
In South India:
In South India, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, people consume cooling foods like curd rice (thayir sadam) and buttermilk (mor) to combat the heat. Some families prepare special dishes like Avalakki (beaten rice flakes) upma, a light and nutritious breakfast option.
In Eastern India:
In states like West Bengal and Odisha, people prioritize staying hydrated throughout Nautapa. They consume homemade buttermilk (chaos) and coconut water to replenish electrolytes and beat the heat.
What will happen if there will be no Nautapa?
If there were no heatwave of Nautapa in India, it could have some serious consequences:
If there is no heatwave at the beginning of two days of Navtapa, the number of mice will increase.For another two days, no heat will lead to pests and pathogens increase in crops. Insects and flies will increase. Snakes and scorpions will increase. Also, if there is no heatwave throughout, it will lead to cyclones and fields will get destroyed.
Conclusion:
Navtapa signifies the peak of summer in India, blending cultural traditions with practical ways to cope with the intense heat. While the scientific explanation for increased temperatures may differ from astrological beliefs, understanding both perspectives adds depth to this unique phenomenon. By following simple practices like hydration and seeking shade, we can navigate this hot and dry period comfortably.
Navtapa is a reminder of the importance of adapting to seasonal changes and appreciating the natural world’s cycles. It’s a time to embrace traditional practices that promote well-being and foster a sense of community spirit.
