Karkidakam month has commenced in Kerala today, July 16 and has cultural and spiritual importance. According to Local 18 Kerala, this month has the utmost significance in traditional Ayurvedic practices and rituals aimed at health and well-being. This month marks the onset of heavy rainfall in Kerala. Karkidakam month is also known as Panja Masam (the period of scarcity) and Ramayana Masam. Karkidakam translates to raining unexpectedly and hence health ailments due to the rainy season are common during this period. Panja Masam (the period of scarcity) means it is a period of zero income for the agricultural sector. As per popular belief, there is a huge increase in the rains, health issues and problems in the agricultural sector, during the Karkidakam month.
To overcome these kinds of problems and to fill the mind with spiritual thoughts, people start reading the holy text Ramayanam. According to the beliefs, reading Ramayanam during the Karkidakam month will fetch blessings and prosperity for the people. The earlier generations started this ritual and it has been continued to date.
As per the Ayurvedic studies, it is best to perform medicinal service in the month of Karkidakam. Such activities are performed to remove anxieties in the mind during this month and to make the mind relaxed. The medicinal services include taking part in the oil baths, drinking crab porridge, etc. which will help to relieve discomfort. Some people also prefer consuming Karkidaka Kanji (rice porridge prepared with various medicines) for health care during the Karkidakam. Due to this reason, there is an enormous market for the sale of Karkidaka Kanji.
Medicinal plants like mukutti, Poovamkurunnila, black pepper, Nilappana, Kurunthotti, tulsi, etc. and grains like Navaratnalu and Muthira grains are used to prepare Karkidaka Kanji. Many Ayurvedic centres are also preparing special Ayurvedic treatments like Ennathoni to mark the onset of Karkidakam month. Pitru Tharpanam is a special ritual performed in the month of Karkidakam. Pitru Tharpanam is performed on Karkidakam’s opening day. It is believed that offering sacrifices on this day will bring peace to the ancestors. The devotees are required to observe a fast before the start of Karkidakam, take a bath on the day of Amavasi and dress while standing in water. They should think of their ancestors and then offer the Bhakti Purasaram.
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