KOCHI: Unlike most states which have nothing to look forward to during the rains, it’s rejuvenation time in Kerala. Making the most of the season are the travel and tour operators selling the concept of ‘monsoon tourism’ and ‘rejuvenation through Ayurveda’ as a way to heal the mind and body.
Tradition and Ayurveda say that rejuvenation therapies are best during monsoon, when the cool temperatures render the body amenable to oily massages and herbal concoctions. Being off season, the cost of accommodation, food and transportation is comparatively less. Accommodation will also be easily available for tourists.
For all Malayalis this is the time to monitor diet and take good care of their health. The belief is that those with arthritic and rheumatic problems need to be extra careful and have medicated baths to warm the body against the cool climate. Easily digestible food must be taken and green leaves are best avoided as people believe there would be viruses or microbial presence which could affect the digestive system.
It is a common practice among parents not to send playgroup children to schools until after Onam when the school reopens. The common excuse is, “they will catch cold.” The month of Karkidakam is also a religious month for the Hindus who begin the first day of the month with a visit to Lord Rama or Vishnu temples.
On all the days of the month, the epic Ramayana is read in Hindu households, by Hindu organisations and in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Ramayana masam begins on July 17 and ends on August 16. The reading of the Ramayana begins on the first day of the month and ends on the last day. The famous Malayalam version of the Ramayana titled Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu written by Thunchath Ezhuthachan is the one recited during the month. After lighting the evening lamp, people sit before the ‘ Nilavilakku ’ (traditional Kerala lamp) and recite the Adhyatma Ramayanam.
This year, Karkidakavavu will be observed on August 9. It is the day when people perform special rituals for their ancestors. It’s the last month of the Malayalam calendar. The monsoon is at its peak and in olden days it was called ‘ Panja maasam ’ because when heavy rains flooded the fields the economy came to a standstill. People used to solely depend on the grains stored during the previous harvest season.
To ward off nature’s fury, people used to read the Ramayana. As per Malayalam Panchangam, new ventures and auspicious functions are not held during the month.
Another feature is the sale of the book Adhyatma Ramayanam. CDs, VCDs and DVDs of Ramayana recital are quite popular during the month. Thanks to the explosion of satellite television, almost all the Malayalam television channels telecast Ramayana recital and programmes based on the epic. The ‘ Nalambalam ’ pilgrimage, ‘ Karkidaka kanji ’ and ‘ Chukku vellam ’ add colour to what is otherwise a dull month.
The Karkidaka Kanji Recipe :
Come Ramayana month and you can find Karkidaka Kanji kits aplenty in Ayurveda centres. Also known as 'oushadha kanji', this medicinal porridge is made of 20-odd herbs and has a special effect in keeping the monsoon fevers at bay. It is also a mixture of about nine pulses and cereals and is best for rheumatic disorders, the occurrence of which is on the increase during monsoon. It is ideal for increasing immunity and strength of the body and also acts as a detoxifying agent. A soup made of Dashapushpam is also consumed during this time.
Karkidaka K anji can be prepared at home or a readymade kit can be bought at any ayurveda centre for Rs 100, which will last for almost a week. It should be consumed continuously for at least a week for better results.
