There is a huge pie in the porridge

It's Karkkidakam (monsoon) in God's Own Country, which sees a spurt in the sale of Karkkidaka kanji, a special porridge widely consumed during the month for revitalising the body.

This special food consumed during the Karkkidakam month of Malayalam era (July-August) supplements nutrients and also has medicinal effect. It is considered to have the ability to control factors which are viewed as toxic by ayurveda. This may be due to the ingredients with medicinal values.

Karkkidaka kanji consists of cereals and medicinal plants. It is also prescribed as a seasonal diet for old people as it is considered good for rheumatic disorders, the occurrence of which is on the rise in the monsoon season.

Most of the medicinal plants used in the preparation of Karkkidaka kanji were, not long ago, available in the backyard of every household.

But with shrinking backyards and fast-paced Malayalees finding no time for making the traditional food, a number of ayruveda companies have come up with ready-made Karkkidaka kanji. Now it has become a big business in the state during July"�August, especially in major cities and towns.

At least a dozen prominent ayurvedic companies have launched their kanji kit with the support of large-scale media campaign. Besides, hundreds of local ayurveda practioners have introduced their own Karkkidaka kanji koottu.

Kanji is consumed for a minimum of three days to one month. Keeping the demand in mind, major companies have introduced tailor-made packages for various customers.

The price of kanji kits ranges between Rs 70 and Rs 200. Along with njavara rice, 12 to 24 types various medicinal herbs are used in preparing the koottu.

Hotels too have jumped on the bandwagon selling kanji. Aruvi restaurant in Kochi, famous for natural food items, serves special kanji for lunch and dinner.

Taking a step forward, some hotels have door-delivery facility for kanji, though an extra Rs 25-40 is charged. A few also offer various Karkkidakam specials like pathilakkari, kanalappam, oushadhaseva and thamarayilyoottu.

Dr S Ani, a leading Kochi-based ayurveda practioner, said that the awareness of Karkkidaka treatment and the special food was on the increase in recent years. Most of the ayurveda hospitals are fully packed during June"�August.

According to estimates of various ayurveda companies, the total cost of Karkkidka kanji kit sales would be to the tune of Rs 2-3 crore in the season. Last year, most of the retail outlets could not meet the market demand as the entire stock was sold out by the middle of Karkkidakam.

Karkkidaka treatment too has become a big business proposition for ayurveda hospitals. For instance, Sukha Chikilsa has become famous even abroad, especially in the Gulf. So much is the tourists' rush for the treatment that advance booking is needed in some ayurvedic hospitals.

The package includes expensive treatments. For eg , the cost of a 'panjakarma' package varies between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000 depending upon the duration of the treatment.

The treatment includes uzhichil, pizhichil, kizhi, dhara and vasti. The package is believed to have the power to rejuvenate the whole body and enhance immunity. The duration of the treatment varies from three days to one month according to the body configuration of each person.

A lot of tourists from the Gulf and Europe are making a beeline to several hospitals. But, according to Ani, the growing demand for ayurveda treatment has spawned quackes who offer massage for Rs 500-Rs 1,000.