Thiruvananthapuram: Small-scale women collectives and self help groups are supplying homemade ‘karkkidaka kanji packets’ this season.
The assemblage of herbs and other ingredients for the kanji starts during the summer season. The preparation of the ‘Kanji koottu’ may take about two to three weeks. “Home made ‘ka-njikoottu’ is in great demand in market. The packets are sold out in no time,” said Chand-ran, Ayurveda outlet owner
The rice based gruel comes in different flavours including ‘ Jeeraka kanji’, ‘Dashapushpa kanji’, ‘Uluva kanji’, ‘Njavara kanji’ and ‘wheat kanji’. Firms dealing in medicinal products are making ready -to- cook ‘oushada kanji kottu’. “The shelves of medicinal shops and supermarkets are stuffed with kanjikootu well in advance. And the demand is high during this season,” said Anu Mohan, a ayurveda practitioner .
The herbs for the rice- gruel preparation could be easily found in the region while some others may be imported.
The tradition of savouring ‘oushada kanji’ remains intact among many Malayalis. There is a huge demand for body rejuvenation during Karkkidakam which is also regarded as the most ideal month for Ayurveda therapies. The number of people undergoing Ayurveda therapies is increasing every year. Ayurveda practitioners advise complete vegetarian diet during this month.
Karkkidakam, the ‘panja masam’ (or lean season) as said by the older people is the last month of the Malayalam calendar.
With monsoon in its utmost fury, karkkidakam is said to be a month of dearth and starvation. Besides, this month is also known as the holy month of Ramayana. Recital of Ramayanam verses is a common practice in many homes during this month.
During earlier times the eldest person in the family would sit in front of the Nilavilakku and recite Ramayana verses while the younger ones listen in rapt attention. The entire Ramayana is recited within 30 days.
The Amavasya or the full moon day of this holy month is the Karkkidaka Vavu, the time when the people pay homage called the ‘vavu bali' to their ancestors.
