Simple Ways to Avoid Dehydration During Navratri and Durga Puja Festivities

Health Tips

Festive celebrations like Navratri and Durga Puja involve heavy sweating and fluid loss from hours of dancing and walking in crowds. Dr Aditi Zota, consultant pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Sterling Hospital in Gandhidham, shares medical guidance to prevent dehydration. Without enough fluids, people can experience tiredness, dizziness, headache, weakness, and painful muscle cramps.

Hydration Advice

Healthy adults should aim for about two to three litres of fluids daily, starting in the morning instead of waiting until evening. Plain water may not suffice during heavy dancing because the body also loses sodium and other electrolytes. Dr Aditi recommends coconut water, nimbu pani with salt, chaas, or ORS solutions. Drinkers should take small sips regularly from a handy water bottle instead of waiting to feel thirsty or drinking large amounts at once. Additionally, foods like cucumbers, oranges, watermelon, and pomegranates help increase fluid and carbohydrate intake.

Warning Signs

After garba or pandal hopping, individuals should continue rehydrating and let their bodies cool down. Warning signs of serious dehydration include persistent dizziness, confusion, severe weakness, fainting, vomiting, low urine output, rapid heartbeat, or severe muscle cramps. Anyone showing these signs should stop dancing, move to a cool place, start rehydrating, and seek medical help if symptoms do not improve. Individuals with kidney, heart, or liver disease, or those on specific medicines, should consult a doctor to determine their precise fluid needs.

Context

Large public festivals in India during warmer months often lead to heavy physical exertion in crowded outdoor spaces. Maintaining proper fluid balance prevents heat-related illnesses and allows revellers to enjoy multi-day celebrations safely.