“Un nuevo enfoque para los rituales de baño en Kerala: Tradiciones y significado”
Embracing Karkidaka: A Traditional Ritual for Rejuvenation
In mid-July, Kerala transforms as dark clouds blanket the sky, temperatures drop, and relentless rain pours down. This marks the beginning of Karkidaka, the final month of the Malayalam calendar, traditionally regarded as a time for rejuvenation, when agriculture takes a pause, and people retreat indoors. For many, this period is not just about sheltering from the rain; it’s a time to nourish the body and mind through deep-rooted customs and rituals.
One engaging tradition during Karkidaka is the daily recitation of the Ramayana alongside a strict diet aimed at holistic well-being. Among those revitalizing these age-old practices is Asha Devi Verma, a former agricultural officer who belongs to the revered Poonar royal family. Asha fondly recalls the “Cancer Coolie,” a traditional bathing ritual, steeped in history. “It was a significant tradition in the past,” she reminisces as she recalls her childhood days bathing in herbal oils and being covered in a paste made of wild turmeric at her maternal grandfather’s house in Thiruvala.
Reviving Traditional Practices
Over the past six years, Asha has dedicated her efforts to creating and marketing traditional oils and pastes from her home in Tripunithura. Her mission? To preserve age-old customs and recipes that have been passed down through generations. “Our grandmother used to care for many children and stayed healthy by utilizing the rich offerings of this month. It nourishes bones, skin, and hair,” Asha explains. This year, she has introduced a Karkidaka bath kit priced at ₹600, presented in modern packaging, which includes hair and body oils.
This small-scale venture is finding momentum not just locally, but also among friends and family who cherish these traditional practices. Asha mentions that her products are well-received on women-centric social media platforms. “The Karkidaka kit appeals to women of all ages,” she says, noting that although she doesn’t set sales targets, she has successfully sold around 100 kits this year alone. Her plans include marketing these offerings more professionally in the future.
Empowering Women Through Tradition
In Wayanad’s Mulkoli Panchayat, another inspiring initiative is unfolding. Bindu Satramanith has established a Women’s Empowerment Unit aimed at imparting traditional wellness knowledge to future generations. This year, she introduced the “Karkidaka Ayur Aragya Soundaraya” kit, which retails for ₹1399 and comprises herbal oil, scrub, herb-based soap, herbal tea, coffee, and medicinal golla to enhance the bathing experience.
During monsoon season, drying hair can be challenging, so locals burn Ashtagandha powder whose aromatic smoke traditionally helps to dry hair and ward off lice. Bindu, whose lineage includes celebrated Ayurveda experts, grows around 14 essential plants on her farm for creating these oils. She began her endeavor during the pandemic, when local farmers faced immense challenges.
Traditional Wisdom Resurrected
The Nagarjuna Stri Ayurveda Center established by Dhanya Jathsti in 2017 represents another endeavor to carry forth the ancient wisdom of beauty and wellness. This center aims to pass down the legacy of her 95-year-old grandmother, Hymavathi Thampuran, ensuring that these traditions remain alive.
For Dhanya, bathing is a ceremonial act of purification. “In the past, women would bathe regularly on auspicious days, using an exfoliant made from tree bark and areca nut powder instead of commercial soaps,” she shares, recalling the natural wisdom that enhanced skin health while keeping unwanted odors at bay. Traditional shampoos made from hibiscus leaves were combined with lentil powder to create effective scrubs.
A Timeless Recipe
Bindu’s kit captures the essence of this heritage, featuring a scrub made from wild turmeric and coarse lentil flour alongside organic soap made from hibiscus flowers. It also contains herbal teas and creams crafted from age-old recipes, such as an oil blend celebrated for its 150-year history, incorporating ghee, turmeric, coconut oil, and sesame oil. Bindu encourages women to engage in these rituals on a daily basis for a duration of seven, 14, or even 21 days during Karkidaka.
The health benefits of these ingredients are reflected in the experiences of users like Dr. Radha Annik Rrishnan, a diabetes researcher who uses these traditional wellness kits. “This month is all about nourishing our bodies and hair, and these kits make the old rituals accessible,” she emphasizes.
The Essence of Karkidaka
Karkidaka is thus more than just a seasonal transition; it symbolizes a cultural richness rooted in tradition and collective wisdom. As women like Asha, Bindu, and Dhanya keep these customs alive, they not only empower themselves but also foster community oral traditions, ensuring that generations to come will remember the holistic practices of Karkidaka.
Conclusion
As the rain continues to nurture the earth, the spirit of Karkidaka thrives—reminding us of the importance of connecting with our roots. This season is an opportunity not merely to seek shelter from the storms but to delve into the rejuvenating rituals that have sustained generations. By embracing the wisdom of the past, we ensure that our bodies and minds are nourished, prepared to thrive in the ever-changing currents of life.
Short Summary:
Karkidaka, the final month of the Malayalam calendar, ushers in a season of rain and rejuvenation in Kerala. Through age-old rituals, women like Asha Verma and Bindu Satramanith are reviving traditional practices of wellness and self-care, empowering others while preserving their cultural heritage. This period encourages holistic nourishment, blending the wisdom of the past with modern needs, ensuring a vibrant and healthy community.
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