Unwind After Navratri: A Gentle Reset for You, Your Home & Your Gut

Navratri brings nine days of devotion, dance, and divine energy. But once the last lamp is extinguished and the final aarti sung, our bodies, minds, and homes crave a soft landing. If you’re feeling a mix of joy and exhaustion, you’re not alone. Here’s your post-Navratri guide to reset, repack, and rejuvenate with grace.

🪔 Repacking Golu Dolls: A Ritual of Reflection

Golu isn’t just a display,it’s a story, a legacy, a celebration of feminine energy. Packing it away can be meditative:
Dust & Bless: Gently wipe each doll with a soft cloth. Whisper a thank-you or chant a shloka as you do.
Wrap with Care: Use muslin cloth to wrap fragile pieces. I generally use old dhoties to wrap each individually.Label boxes by tier or theme for easy unpacking next year.
Store Mindfully: Keep them in a dry, cool place. Add neem leaves or camphor sachets to prevent mold and insects.

Pro tip: Journal one memory from this year’s Golu,who visited, what stories were shared, what new doll joined your collection.

🧘‍♀️ Relaxing Mind & Body: From Rhythm to Rest

After nine nights of garba, pujas, and social buzz, your nervous system needs a breather.
Digital Detox: Take a 24-hour break from reels and WhatsApp forwards. Let silence be your soundtrack.
Gentle Movement: Swap high-energy dance for yin yoga, stretching, or a slow walk in nature.
Sleep Rituals: Sip warm nutmeg milk, light lavender incense, and tuck in early. Your body will thank you.

🫗 Healing the Gut: Undoing the Feast Fatigue

From sabudana vadas to sweets, your digestive system has been working overtime. Time to soothe it:

Start Light: Begin with khichdi, steamed veggies, or moong dal soup. Avoid fried or spicy foods for 2–3 days.
Hydrate Wisely: Sip fennel or ajwain water. Coconut water and buttermilk are great for restoring electrolytes.
Probiotic Boost: Include curd, homemade kanji, or fermented rice water to rebalance gut flora.

✨ Skin TLC: Undoing the Makeup & Mehendi Marathon

Your skin’s been through layers of makeup, sweat, and late nights. Let it breathe:

Double Cleanse: Use an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle face wash to remove residue.
DIY Face Mask: Mix sandalwood powder, rose water, and a pinch of turmeric. Apply for 15 minutes.
Hydrate & Heal: Use aloe vera gel or a niacinamide serum to calm inflammation and restore glow.

👗 Laundry Love: Managing Navratri Outfits with Care

Nine outfits, nine fabrics, and a mountain of laundry,don’t let it overwhelm you.

Sort by Fabric: Separate silks, cottons, and synthetics. Handwash delicate pieces with mild detergent.
Stain Check: Treat sweat or food stains with lemon juice or baking soda paste before washing.
Air & Store: Dry in shade, iron lightly, and store with neem leaves or lavender sachets to keep moths away.

Consider donating one outfit to someone in need. It’s a beautiful way to extend the spirit of Navratri.

🌿 Final Thought: Transition with Intention
Navratri is a celebration of Shakti, your inner power. Post-festival, honour that energy by slowing down, tuning in, and nurturing yourself. Whether it’s sipping herbal tea or repacking dolls with reverence, each act becomes a ritual of renewal.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.