Karkidakam month begins in Kerala: A period of deprivation, healing and spiritual discipline

The month of Kalkidakam began in Kerala today, July 16th. It is a month of cultural and spiritual importance. According to Kerala Local 18, this month is the most important month in traditional Ayurvedic practices and rituals aimed at health and well-being. This month marks the beginning of heavy rains in Kerala. The month of Kalkidakam is also known as Panjamasam (time of scarcity) and Ramayanamasam. Kalkidakam means unexpected rains and hence health problems due to the rainy season are common during this time. Panjamasam (time of scarcity) means a period when the income of the agricultural sector is zero. As per popular belief, there is a significant increase in rains during the month of Kalkidakam, which leads to health problems and problems in the agricultural sector.

To overcome these problems and to fill their minds with spiritual thoughts, people start reading the holy book Ramayanam. As per the belief, reading Ramayanam in the month of Karkidakam brings blessings and prosperity to people. This ritual was started by earlier generations and continues till today.

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According to Ayurvedic research, it is best to undertake medical procedures during the month of Kalkidakam. Such activities are undertaken during this month to remove mental anxiety and relax the mind. Medical procedures include taking part in oil baths, consuming crab congee, etc., which helps in relieving discomfort. Some people prefer to eat Kalkidaka Kanj (rice congee cooked with various medicines) for health care during Kalkidakam. Due to this, the market for selling Kalkidaka Kanj is huge.

Medicinal plants like mukutti, poovamukurunira, black pepper, nirapana, krunutti, tulsi and grains like navaratnalu and muthira are used to make Kalkidaka Kanj. Many Ayurvedic centres also prepare special Ayurvedic treatments like Ennasoni to mark the start of the Kalkidakam month. Pithuru Tharpanam is a special ritual performed in the month of Kalkidakam. Pithuru Tharpanam is performed on the first day of Kalkidakam. It is believed that offerings on this day will bring peace to ancestors. Devotees should observe fast before the start of Kalkidakam and take a bath on Amavasi day and get dressed while standing in water. They should remember their ancestors and offer Bhakti Prasaram.

According to Ayurvedic research, it is best to perform medical procedures during the month of Kalkidakam. Such activities are undertaken during this month to remove mental anxiety and relax the mind. Medical procedures include taking part in oil baths, consuming crab congee, etc., which helps in relieving discomfort. Some people prefer to eat Kalkidaka Kanj (rice congee cooked with various medicines) for health care during Kalkidakam. Due to this, the market for selling Kalkidaka Kanj is huge.

Medicinal plants like mukutti, poovamukurunira, black pepper, nirapana, krunutti, tulsi and grains like navaratnalu and muthira are used to make Kalkidaka Kanj. Many Ayurvedic centres also prepare special Ayurvedic treatments like Ennasoni to mark the start of the Kalkidakam month. Pithuru Tharpanam is a special ritual performed in the month of Kalkidakam. Pithuru Tharpanam is performed on the first day of Kalkidakam. It is believed that offerings on this day will bring peace to ancestors. Devotees should observe fast before the start of Kalkidakam and take a bath on Amavasi day and get dressed while standing in water. They should remember their ancestors and offer Bhakti Prasaram.