Doctors Who Believe in Sampoorna Ahara

I was gifted Sampoorna Ahara’s Diwali gift box and it was truly a treasure. Everything was whole and plant based and totally delicious. Everything was not only made with care but packed in an eco-friendly way which shows that a lot of thought and love has gone into it. Everyone should try this at least once!

Dr. Nandita Shah

Lifestyle Physician & Founder, SHARAN

Sampoorna Ahara is an amazing initiative! The meals offered by them are nutritious, delicious, wholesome and satiating, carefully prepared by the dedicated team under the direct monitoring of Dr Achyuthan Eswar.

Dr. R Saravanan

Plant-based Lifestyle Physician, BHMS, PGDHSC (Applied Nutrition), ACLM

Sampoorna Ahara is truly Sampoorna (Complete) with a great menu, Truly natural and healthy. Have been searching for such a facility for long. Its complete with so many varieties and healthy options. One would be surprised that healthy food can also be so tasty. Loved it.

Prof. Dr. Abhay M. Shankaregowda

Principal, Maharishi Aurobindo Subharti College & Hospital of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences.

As a children's ICU doctor - our lives revolve around sick children, anxious parents, long & unpredictable hours at the hospital. After crossing the age 40, the body started complaining. After 2 years of various trail and error, I finally stumbled on something that works. Whole Plant based foods from Sampoorna Ahara is not only healthy, filling and nutritious - the taste buds love it too.

Dr. Chetan Ginigeri

Head of Dept - Paediatric & Neonatal services Aster CMI Hospital, Hebbal, Bangalore

Thank you very much for the delicious eatables you you sent. The dryfruit laddu was very rich in taste and nutritious. The Chivda is something I am eating daily during tea time. Also tried Flax seed laddu. May be very healthy. Many congratulations for the wonderful products you have developed.

Dr. Manjunath NK Sharma

Pro Vice Chancellor, SVYASA Deemed-to-be-University

Being a health coach promoting a whole plant-based diet, I get asked this question often, "Where can we get nutritionally balanced, clean yet tasty food outside? Being unable to cook at home, due to lack of time or expertise, is there a place where we can get it ready-made?" And our prayers have been answered by SampoornaAhara.com.

Saee Bapat

Holistic Nutrition Health Coach, Yoga Therapist & Founder, Clean Eating With Saee

When is Diwali in 2021 in India? Diwali 2021 Calendar

Here is a complete calendar of five days celebration.

Diwali is a festival of Lights that starts on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya dooj. Here are the complete details of the five days of Diwali week. Have a look:

• Diwali 2021 Day 1 - Dhanteras : November 2 2021
• Diwali 2021 Day 2 - Choto Diwali or Narak Chaturdasi : November 3 2021
• Diwali 2021 Day 3 - Diwali : November 4 2021
• Diwali 2021 Day 4 - Padwa : November 5 2021
• Diwali 2021 Day 5 - Bhai Duj : November 6 2021

What happens each day of Diwali?

1. Diwali 2021 Day 1 - Dhanteras : November 2 2021(Tuesday)

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras or Dhantrayodhashi or Yama Deepam.

Dhanteras, derived from Dhan meaning wealth and Teras meaning thirteenth, On the thirteenth day of dark fortnight, Hindus clean their homes and businesses.

 They install diyas or deepams, small earthen lamps that they light up during the next five days, around Lakshmi and Ganesh idols, symbolising a fresh start to a wealthy year ahead without obstacles.

Women and children decorate doors within homes and offices with colorful Rangolis made from rice flour or colored sand.

2. Diwali 2021 Day 2 Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi: Nov. 3, 2021 (Wednesday)

Choti means small or mini. This is the main Deepavali day celebrated in South India.

"Naraka" means hell and "Chaturdashi" means "fourteenth"

This is symbolised by the destruction of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. He frees 16,000 imprisoned princesses kidnapped by Narakasura.

On the second day of Diwali, Hanuman Puja is also performed in North India, especially in Gujarat. Kali Chaudas is also observed. People believe that spirits roam around on the night of Kali Chaudas. They worship Hanuman to seek protection. He is the deity of strength, power, and protection.

Victory of good over evil is also symbolised by the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon-king Ravana and completing his fourteen years of exile.

On the second day of festivities, people purchase festive foods, especially ingredients for making sweets and snacks. They shape them into enticing rolls, balls and squares. They offer them to friends and relatives, and distribute them among the poor.

This day is commonly celebrated as Diwali in Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Karnataka.

3. Diwali 2021 Day 3 "Diwali": Nov. 4, 2021 (Thursday)

The third day is the height of Diwali in North India.

This day of the festival festival begins with the lighting of candles and clay lamps in the home and at temples.

During the evening, families gather together for the Lakshmi Puja, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Then, the lamps are lit again and placed in rows along the walls of temples and homes.

4.Diwali 2021 Day 4 Padwa: Nov. 5, 2021 (Friday)

The fourth day of Diwali is the first day of the bright fortnight of the luni-solar calendar.

It is called Annakut (heap of grain), Padwa, Goverdhan puja, Bali Pratipada, Bali Padyami, Kartik Shukla Pratipada and other names.

This day celebrates Bali's defeat at the hands of Vishnu.

It is also symbolised by Parvati's victory over Shiva in a game of dyuta (dice) on a board of twelve squares and thirty pieces. Shiva then surrenders his shirt and adornments to her. This is said to represent the creation and dissolution of the world.

5.Diwali 2021 Day 5 Bhai Duj: Nov. 6, 2021 (Saturday)

The last day of the festival is Bhai Duj (translates to "brother's day"), Bhau Beej, Bhai Tilak or Bhai Phonta.

It celebrates the sister-brother bond. It is similar to the Raksha Bandhan spirit. This time, it is the brother that travels to meet the sister and her family.

This is symbolised by Yama's sister Yamuna welcoming Yama with a tilaka. Some others also symbolise it as the arrival of Lord Krishna defeating Narakasura and arriving at his sister's, Subhadra, afterwards. In this story, Subhadra welcomes Lord Krishna with a tilaka on his forehead.

On this day, the womenfolk of the household gather, perform a puja with prayers for the well-being of their brothers, then go back to a ritual of feeding them with their hands and receiving presents.

Why is Diwali celebrated as the festival of light?

Diwali is celebrated as a the festival of lights because it is believed that on this day, Lord Rama returned from exile after 14 years. He was welcomed back with great joy and celebrations were held across India.

What lamps are lit in Diwali? Why do we use an earthen lamp?

Earthen lamps are lit in Diwali. We use an earthen lamp to continue the traditions followed over centuries.

In India, people celebrate the festival of lights with candles, oil lamps, and diyas (earthen lamps). It is believed that lighting these lamps will bring good luck for the coming year.

Lighting lamps symbolises darkness in your life being dispelled by light.

What oil is traditionally used in Diwali to light lamps?

Mustard oil or sesame oil is traditionally used in Diwali to light lamps. This is because mustard oil was easily available in most households in North India, and sesame oil in South India.

Why do families light clay lamps during Diwali?

Families light clay lamps during Diwali to symbolize the victory of good over evil, to identify with the light that dispels darkness in our lives together as a family.

What is Diwali? History and Significance of Diwali Or Deepavali

Diwali is the Festival of Lights. Victory of good over evil is symbolised by Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.

Darkness being dispelled by light is also symbolised by the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon-king Ravana and completing his fourteen years of exile.

Who Celebrates Diwali and why?

Hindus celebrate Diwali to symbolise the victory of good over evil, and light dispelling darkness.

Does Diwali celebrate Lakshmi?

Yes, Diwali celebrates Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity. Diwali coincides with the harvest season in India, and celebrates new beginnings and the dispelling of darkness by light

Why is Goddess Durga worshipped on Dussehra?

The festival of Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolised as the victory of Durga over Mahishasura.

On this day, Hindus celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and truth over falsehood.

This festival also marks the end of the harvest season.

What do you offer goddess Lakshmi on Diwali?

You offer haldi or turmeric, flowers, kumkum, and fruits to goddess Lakshmi on Diwali. Most festivals have similar rituals of offering fruits and flowers grown in your backyard as part of the rituals. Along with this, items used for purification are also offered, like turmeric powder and water.

In addition, people choose to offer a wide variety of sweets and snacks too, whatever they enjoy eating afterwards.

Just as we would offer only the best quality foods to a higher force, it is a symbolism that we must choose the best quality food to consume and 'offer' our bodies to stay healthy, the temple of our soul.

Is Diwali and Lakshmi Puja same?

Diwali and Lakshmi Puja are similar, but not the same. Lakshmi Puja is one of the five days of Diwali. It also happens to be the main day of Diwali that most people celebrate.

Diwali Calendar

Is Diwali based on lunar calendar?

Yes, Diwali is based on lunar calendar. Like most Indian festivals, Diwali date on the normally used solar calendar changes every year based on the lunar calendar.

Diwali 2021 Amavasya Significance

Diwali 2021 Amavasya is an important day of significance in India. Amavasya is the Sanskrit name for the New Moon.

Amavasya is considered a day of great power traditionally. Kartika Amavasya is the day of Lakshmi Puja in Diwali celebrations, the day after Naraka Chaturdashi.

Diwali Traditions and Customs

Diwali traditions and customs are diverse and fun. Here are some of them:

1. Waking up early, taking an oil bath and dressing in colorful new traditional clothing to symbolise new beginnings.

2. Lighting rows of lamps inside and outside your home to symbolise light dispelling darkness.

3.A special traditional feast with a wide variety of sweets and snacks.

4. A Pooja with offerings of fruits, flowers and turmeric powder

5. Gift exchange with your loved ones.

Is Diwali/Deepavali a Public Holiday?

Diwali/Deepavali is a Public Holiday officially in many parts of India.

How is Deepavali/Diwali Celebrated?

Deepavali/Diwali is celebrated by lighting lamps around your home, dressing in colorful new clothes, and celebrating the harvest season with new beginnings.

Deepavali/Diwali is popular for its wide variety of snacks and sweets. We used to make them in buckets, not just regular vessels!

Is Diwali on Saturday or Sunday?

Diwali was on Saturday in 2020. In 2021, Diwali is on Thursday, 4th November.

Diwali date changes every year based on the Lunar Calendar. It may be on different dates and different days every year.

What is the auspicious time for Diwali puja? What is time for Diwali Muhurat?

Auspicious time for Diwali Puja is believed to be during Diwali Muhurat. For Diwali 2021 in New Delhi, India, this time is believed to be from 06:09 PM to 08:04 PM, 04th November 2021.

Is Diwali Hindu New Year?

Diwali is Hindu New Year in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Here, the day after Diwali is celebrated as the New Year.

Who decides the dates for Diwali annually and how are they decided?

The dates for Diwali annually are decided by the lunar calendar. Diwali falls on Amavasya (New Moon Day) of Kartika month, usually around November every year.

FAQ on Deepavali

What is Nombu after Diwali?

Nombu after Diwali is a festival celebrated by married women, who pray for the well being of their husbands.

Unmarried women pray for an ideal life partner on the same day.

It is known as Karadaiyan Nombu or Savitri Nombu Vratam.

Nombu after Diwali is a South Indian tradition, similar to Karva Chauth celebrated in North India.

Why is Diwali date different in South and North India?

Diwali date is different in South and North India because the traditions are slightly different.

South Indians celebrate the main day of Diwali one day prior to North Indians.

South Indians celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.

North Indians celebrate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14 year exile.

Both South and North Indians celebrate the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness, during Diwali.

What is Naag Diwali? Is it only celebrated within Maharashtrian community?

Naag Diwali or Nagula Chavithi is a festival celebrated in Central India and South India, not only within the Maharashtrian community.

On this day, mothers worship snakes for their children's protection.

The popular legend symbolising Naag Diwali in Hindu culture is the Neelakanta legend.

The story goes that Lord Shiva drank the poison Halahala or Kalkuta that came out of the Samudra Manthan, churning of the ocean, to protect the universe. Parvati saw this happening and immediately stopped the poison at his throat to save his life. The poison accumulated in his throat, turning it blue, earning him the name Neelakanta, meaning 'blue throat'.

This story and snake worship is a symbolism of living in harmony with Nature. Every living has its place in the circle of life, and rituals like these help people overcome their fear of some animals and respect their right to life.

How Diwali is celebrated in Uttar Pradesh?

Diwali is celebrated for five days in Uttar Pradesh, like the rest of India.

Which city in UK holds the biggest Diwali celebration?

Leicester is a city in the UK that holds the biggest Diwali celebration outside of India.

"Diwali Leicester" is a huge celebration program that is organised over several months, including 6,500 lights all along Belgrave and Melton Roads to celebrate this festival of lights.

Is Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi same?

Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi are related, but not the same. Narak Chaturdashi is the day before Diwali in North India. In South India, Narak Chaturdashi itself is celebrated as the main Diwali day.

Why is Choti Diwali called Narak Chaturdashi? Why do we celebrate Narak Chaturdashi?

Choti Diwali is called Narak Chaturdashi because it is believed that Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna on this day. We celebrate Narak Chaturdashi because of the story behind it.

Narakasura was believed to be the son of Bhumidevi and Varaha Avatar, an incarnation of Vishnu. However, he grew greedy and unjust, wreaking havoc on the world.

When he attacked Lord Krishna himself, another incarnation of Vishnu, legend has it that Lord Krishna killed him.

Some versions say his consort, Sathyabhama, an incarnation of Bhumidevi, killed him.

However, before he died, Narakasura requested for a boon, that he be remembered forever by the lighting of lamps.

This is why we celebrate Narak Chaturdashi.

How is Narak Chaturdashi celebrated?

Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated by lighting earthen oil lamps around your home, symbolising the light that dispels darkness.

What is Badi Diwali?

Badi Diwali is the third day of Diwail. Badi Diwali is celebrated as the main day of Diwali in North India.

Is Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi same?

Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi are related, but not the same. Narak Chaturdashi is the day before Diwali in North India. In South India, Narak Chaturdashi itself is celebrated as the main Diwali day.

It celebrated the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his exile of 14 years and defeat of Ravana.

Is Diwali the festival of colors?

No, Diwali is the festival of lights.
Holi is the festival of colors.

Can you wear black in Diwali?

You can wear black in Diwali if you like. However, people generally celebrate Diwali with bright, colourful, new clothes.

What should not be done on Diwali?

Here are a list of things that should not be on Diwali, according to tradition:

• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid animal foods
• Don't burst firecrackers, choose lamps instead

Generally, the list of 'dont's' during festivals are common sense good practices to follow for the rest of the year. It is a great idea to harness festivals to kickstart any good habit you would like to practice going forward.

What are your best Diwali offers?

Sampoorna Ahara has a ton of amazing Diwali offers! Check them out here.

Plant-Based Diwali

How do we celebrate Diwali a Plant-Based way?

Congratulations on choosing to celebrate a plant-based Diwali! You can celebrate Diwali a plant-based way with these tips:

• Choose baked snacks, not oil-fried snacks.
• Choose date-sweetened desserts, halwas, and barfis. Avoid sugar, jaggery and honey.
• Choose plant-based dairy alternatives like nut butters, badam milk and peanut curds.
• Choose steamed or baked dishes for your Diwali feast, rather than dishes cooked in oil.
• Add plenty of fruits and and vegetables to your meals.

Why should we follow a plant-based Diwali?

We should follow a plant-based Diwali because it can help you and your loved ones live a longer, healthier life.

Diwali celebrates the light that dispels darkness or ignorance. Today, our diet is our #4 leading risk factor for death, because of ignorance.

Most of us don't know what a healthy diet is, or that it can help us prevent and potentially reverse our leading killer diseases, like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease.

It is time to dispel this ignorance and discover evidence-based nutrition. Scientific nutrition has found that plant-based diets can help us live longer, healthier lives with our loved ones - isn't this what the festive spirit is all about, celebrating life with your loved ones?

How do we prepare Deepavali sweets without oil and sugar?

It may seem impossible to prepare Deepavali sweets without oil and sugar. However, we have found many techniques to prepare delicious, indulgent sweets without oil and sugar. Here are some tips you can try:

• Use dates, raisins, mangoes, chikoos, bananas and pineapples instead of using sugar, jaggery or honey. Just blend, boil or bake them with nuts and nut butters to make a wide variety of sweets.
• Use nuts and nut butters instead of oil to get the same rich taste without the disease risk.

How do we make Deepavali snacks without oil or processed flour such as maida?

You can make Deepavali snacks without oil or processed flour such as maida, by using nut butters and whole grain flours instead.

For instance, try making murukku with red rice flour instead of white rice flour. It tastes the same, but is twice as healthy, maybe even more!

Oil can be replaced with nuts and nut butters. Try making seedai, nippattu or mathri with peanut butter or almond butter. Bake them instead of frying them. They taste amazing, and are much healthier for you.

How do we avoid milk based products during Deepavali?

You can avoid milk based products during Deepavali by using plant-based dairy alternatives.

Ensure to read the labels of any food product you buy to confirm if it dairy-free.

If you are making them at home, here is a list of dairy alternatives you can use: