Karkidakam is known as the month of famine and scarcity. Old-timers call it ‘panja masam’ (lean season), as hard times prevail when the monsoon unleashes its fury.
But the times seem to have changed. Karkidakam is now the month of ‘Marunnu Kanji’ (medicinal porridge.) Various organisations, institutions and temples in the State’s rural and urban areas are busy distributing ‘Marunnu kanji’ or ‘Karkidaka Kanji’.
Ayurveda physicians say ‘Karkidakam' is the time for rejuvenation and cleansing the body of all impurities. ‘Oushadha kanji,’ the herbs-mixed rice gruel, used traditionally as a recuperative diet, is an integral part of the rejuvenation process.
Monsoon is also the time when epidemics break out. People now increasingly rely on Ayurveda for relief from monsoon-related diseases. According to experts, people should eat marunnu kanji for a minimum of one week, but for optimum results it should be taken for a month.
Ancient texts stressed the observance of hygiene and dietary regulations during the month. During this period, it is better to follow strict vegetarianism. One should avoid cold food and always keep the body clean.
Oushadhi Panchakarma Hospital has been serving various types of ‘Oushadha Kanji’.
It will go on for the entire month of Karkkidakam. The porridge comes in different flavours including ‘jeeraka kanji’, ‘dhashapushpa kanji’, ‘uluva kanji’, ‘njavara kanji’ and ‘wheat kanji’. Many medicine companies are marketing ready-to-cook kits of kanji kootu.
