With Navaratri underway, the Dashain festival has brought excitement across the country. Families, relatives, and communities are gathering to celebrate, making it a season of unity and festivity. Along with joy, however, comes the need to pay attention to health—especially when it comes to food.
Dashain is marked by feasts featuring meat dishes, but doctors warn that overconsumption and poor choices can affect health. Meat-based dishes are often low in water content and high in fat, creating imbalances in the body. Senior cardiologist Dr Prakash Raj Regmi recommends consuming green vegetables and salads alongside meat to maintain a balanced diet.
“Meat provides iron, protein, amino acids, and Vitamin B12,” says Dr Regmi. “But it also contains cholesterol and saturated fat. Fresh, fiber-rich foods like vegetables, pulses, and fruits should also be included. Instead of soft drinks, fresh fruit juice, yogurt, lassi, or buttermilk are healthier options.”
Safe meat consumption
Doctors stress the importance of buying meat from clean, well-maintained butcher shops. Meat should only be purchased from outlets with proper hygiene measures, including wire mesh or glass covers to prevent contamination from flies and insects. Tools such as chopping boards and knives should be kept clean.
Consumer rights activist Bishnu Timilsena cautions buyers to be alert, as some vendors mislabel female animals’ meat as male or even sell poor-quality meat for profit. “Consumers should always demand fresh meat of natural quality,” he says.
What not to eat
Oncologist Dr Arun Shahi advises avoiding stale or rotten food during the holidays. “Do not eat burnt or charred meat, and try to avoid red meat,” he warns. “Disciplined eating is essential during Dashain.”
Dr Regmi adds that goat skin contains high amounts of fat and cholesterol and suggests avoiding offal such as liver and kidneys. He further advises against oily, deep-fried meat dishes and alcohol consumption during the festival.
Improperly handled meat can carry parasites such as Taenia saginata (tapeworm), especially in buffalo intestines. While laws require animals to be inspected before slaughter, rights groups say enforcement is weak, allowing unfit meat to reach consumers.
Focus on fiber
High-fiber foods are essential for digestion, weight control, diabetes management, and preventing chronic illnesses. Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and avocado are rich in fiber. Doctors recommend pairing meat dishes with fiber-rich foods to stay healthy and energetic.
“People with heart disease must be especially careful,” says Dr Regmi. “Excess salty and fatty foods can raise blood pressure, cause irregular heartbeat, and complicate heart function. Medication must not be skipped.”
Stay active, stay healthy
Beyond food, Dashain also brings opportunities for physical and mental wellness. Traditional activities such as visiting shrines, swinging on ping (swings), and flying kites promote both exercise and joy.
Dr Regmi suggests avoiding a sedentary lifestyle during the holiday. “Instead of sitting indoors playing cards, go outside, meet relatives, play swings, and exercise. Enjoy clean, homemade food and stay active for both fun and health,” he advises.
