Amavasya is considered to have a great religious importance in the Indian Hindu culture. Amavasya is a Sanskrit word that means no Moon or new Moon day. The New moon occur when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. When Moon comes in between the Earth and the Sun, the Moon cannot be seen for the time being, is termed as the New Moon. Astrologically, the Sun and the Moon come together in the same degree in the same zodiac sign, generally, 0-12 degrees is known as Amavasya.
WHAT HAPPEN TO US DURING AMAVASYA?
We know that the sun and moon line up in a straight line during amavasya or no moon day.During this day, the gravitational force of the Moon pulls everything in an upward direction, and thus human qualities and emotions are enhanced at their greatest peak. This gravitational pull also applies to our blood and energy too. The impact of moon is reflected in our brain,nerves and in the water level of our body. It has an adverse impact on the human body, and also impacts the nature of the humans as well as their behavior. Our mental state and physical state is quite unbalanced on this particular Moonless night.
Our Indian culture considers the Moon to be our mind and Sun to be our Atman , then the ultimate aim of a human being should be to bring both together. This condition is called Samadhi or moksha and on this new moon, both the Sun and the Moon in the sky are in close proximity, bound by Nature our mind and soul also have a capability to come together. Thus, we observe all the unusual activities within our body when the mind and the soul are attempting to close into each other.
THE SCIENTIFIC REASONS BEHIND INDIAN AMAVASYA COOKING
HOW TO BALANCE THE IMBALANCE?
Now you may wonder how to balance this natural occuring imbalance in our body? Our great Indian ancestors revealed certain amavasya food which helps our body and mind to get balanced during this day. There is specific cooking(thaligai) on Amavasya day. On that day recommended vegetables and foods are Bitter gourd, Raw banana, Seppankizhangu(taro root),Snake gourd, avaraikkai(broad beans), White Pumpkin, Raw jackfruit(Palakai) and Moong dhal(Pasi paruppu).
The effect of moon which is reflected in our brain,nerves and in the water level of our body can be compensated by the intake of potassium, sodium, folic acid and other minerals rich foods. The foods which we prepare on amavasya days like raw banana, snake gourd, bitter gourd,double beans,seppankizhangu and moong dal are rich in potassium, folic acids and other minerals.
HOW THESE FOODS HELPS US?
Potassium is an important mineral responsible for good mental health,learning and memory. It is eesential for regulating blood pressure, proper nerve and muscle functions. Potassium is also crucial for the transportation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well- being and happiness. Folate,which helps to reduce depressive symptoms is needed for the brain for the synthesis of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.
Our ancestors observed some behavioral changes of human beings in new moon days and normal days with relation to mind, nerves of humans. Based on their experience and knowledge our ancestors advised us to eat only certain vegetables and grains during these days. When we analyse why only those vegetables we can understand all these vegetables contain potassium,folate,sodium and other minerals which have the abilities to overcome the impacts of moon on amavasya days.
THE TAKE AWAY
Our Indian Hinduism says Amavasya is dedicated to dead ancestors and relatives. Taking holy bath in sacred rivers, doing charity and performing Tarpan is considered highly favourable as per the Indian ancient texts. Our ancestors advised us to eat only certain vegetables and grains during these days which have the abilities to overcome the impacts of moon on amavasya days.