Ayurvedic Tips for Attukal Pongala 2025

Thiruvananthapuram (aka Trivandrum) – the capital of the Indian state, Kerala, is celebrating Attukal Pongala festival tomorrow!   If you’re from Trivandrum, I bet you’re excited for the event. Yeah, me too!   Every year, I eagerly wait for the event to see the streets of Thiruvananthapuram become a showcase for the devotion and enthusiasm of millions of women.      What is Attukal Pongala?     For those who are not aware, Attukal Pongala is an annual festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is one of the largest all-women religious gatherings in the world (even made it to the Guinness Book of World Records!).    The highlight of the festival is the preparation of Pongala payasam – a sweet offering made of rice, jaggery, coconut and ghee, cooked in earthen pots as a ritual offering to Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy. Manda Puttu (steamed dumplings made of rice and mung bean powder, coconut and jaggery) and therali appam (a steamed sweet dish made using rice flour and jaggery wrapped in bay leaves) are other items prepared as offerings during the festival.    Though it is a renowned festival attended by women from all walks of life, not many are aware of the history of Attukal Pongala.    The Attukal temple, often called the ‘Sabarimala of Women,’ is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, an incarnation of Kannagi. Legends say that after Madurai was destroyed, Kannagi traveled to Kerala and rested at Attukal, where the temple stands today.   The biggest moment of the festival happens on the ninth day, under the ‘Pooram’ star in the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham. That’s when millions of women come together to offer Pongala. The ritual is a deep expression of devotion to Goddess Attukal Amma.   Attukal Pongala is a powerful celebration of womanhood, where millions of women come together in devotion, resilience, and unity to offer their prayers and to seek blessings for protection, prosperity, and well-being from Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy.    While devotion is at its peak during the day, so is the scorching sun. Kerala is experiencing a heat wave right now and many sources report that UV radiation levels are on a rise these days. The smoke and the crowd on the day add to the challenges.   So, it is necessary to take all essential precautions while immersing ourselves in the festivities.  As a doctor, I have a few Ayurvedic tips for you to have a safe and fulfilling Pongala experience.   Ayurvedic Tips for Attukal Pongala    Kerala often experiences a hot climate around the time of Pongala festival. This is the time when your Pitta Dosha gets aggravated.   Here are some Pongala health tips that you can follow:     Pre-Pongala preparations   Here are some ways to make sure you’re comfortable before the preparation of the Pongala offerings begin.    Hydrate with cooling beverages   While water at normal temperature is alright, cooling beverages help you beat the heat in a better manner. ‘Cooling’ doesn’t mean something that’s cold or refrigerated, but something that cools you internally.    Tender coconut water is a great option. It is the best coolant and is rich in nature’s electrolytes. Another good option is sugarcane juice, which is loaded with antioxidants and essential nutrients. But make sure not to drink more than 50 ml of it in a day.    Also, skip refrigerated drinks.    Light and nourishing breakfast   If you’re traveling from faraway places to attend the Pongala festival, you might be having foods offered by volunteers or your hosts.    If you have an option, it’s best to have a nourishing yet light breakfast, that’s comforting and easy to digest. The same applies to those who are lucky enough to attend the festival from their homes.    Dress comfortably   Natives often wear a saree during the festival, while the younger folks often opt for salwar suits or the traditional Pattu Pavada. Modest clothes are preferred.    But, no matter what you wear (except for a saree), make sure that it is loose-fitted. If you opt for a saree, whether it is a Kerala Kasavu saree or a Pongala saree, choose a light-coloured one of cotton fabric. Cotton allows airflow to your skin and reflects heat.    Tips to Follow During the Attukal Pongala Ritual   Here are some tips you can follow during the ritual of preparing the pongala:   Stay hydrated   Carry a bottle of water with you. You can soak coriander seeds in water overnight and have it on the day of the festival. Another option is to have water boiled in Vetiver roots. Drinking this occasionally will keep your body cool and well-hydrated.   During long heat exposure, our body’s water needs increase. So, make it a point to drink more liquids.    Use natural sun protection   Ayurveda has always talked about the importance of sun protection and recommends using an umbrella when you go out to protect your skin and hair from sunlight.    But, today, with issues like ozone depletion and global warming, the heat from the sun is getting harsher. Therefore, the effects of the sun on our body and skin are irreversible. An umbrella alone cannot protect us. Also, it is almost impossible to prepare the pongala offering while holding an umbrella. So, the feasible solution is using sunscreen.    Sunscreen is a must especially if you are outdoors for long hours. Use sunscreens with ingredients like Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide and Avobenzone that’ll protect your skin from UV rays. RTraditional Ayurvedic formulations don’t provide full UV protection, so it’s best to use a good quality sunscreen like Supergoop or Shiseido.    Mindful breathing   It’s possible that you’ll be exposed to smoke while preparing the offering for Attukal Pongala. So, take short breaks in between and practice short breathing exercises to improve oxygen intake.    Aftercare Tips for Attukal Pongala Festival   After you’re done preparing the offering, you might feel extremely exhausted… Continue reading Ayurvedic Tips for Attukal Pongala 2025

Women Health Exploration Through Ayurvedic Lenses

Did you know that according to recent statistics, India faces significant health challenges among women? Women’s health is a treasure that must be maintained with the utmost attention. From reproductive issues to mental health concerns, women often bear the brunt of societal pressures and biological complexities.    About 30% of women in India experience reproductive health issues and mental health disorders affect around 20% of women.  A woman’s body undergoes incredible modifications and variances from the time she reaches adolescence until the life-changing stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.    Unfortunately, disrupting this delicate balance can lead to a variety of women’s-specific health difficulties. However, with the support of Ayurveda, women may embark on a path of healing and rejuvenation, regaining their well-being with grace and vitality.   Ayurveda shines a ray of hope in a world where stress, the environment, and hormone imbalances may all harm women’s health. The system of medicine recognizes that women need special care as they navigate the tangled web of their lives.    Ayurveda provides women with the skills they need to embark on a life-changing journey toward robust health by balancing the Doshas and supporting overall well-being. As an Ayurvedic doctor, I’ll shed light on how Ayurveda can be a game changer for women’s health. So, let’s dive in.    Let’s talk about women’s health first!   When we discuss women’s health, we recognize that it encompasses various issues at different stages of a woman’s life. Every woman goes through several massive changes over her lifetime. Menarche, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause are vital changes.    The uterus, ovary, and breast are the three organs that carry out these physiologic functions. The vagina is another organ that is essential to a woman’s overall health. Female hormones are vital in many physiological and emotional changes, making them equally important factors.    Women have unique health challenges, ranging from pregnancy and menopause to gynaecological disorders such as uterine fibroids and pelvic floor abnormalities. Only women are impacted by the following health conditions. While some other ailments afflict males, they affect women more severely.     Gynaecological issues affecting women include menstruation and menstrual irregularities, urinary tract health, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders, and ailments such as bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis, uterine fibroids, and vulvodynia.     Pregnancy-related issues include prenatal care, miscarriage, early birth, preterm labour, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), breastfeeding, and birth challenges. Uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and primary ovarian insufficiency are some of the disorders associated with infertility.     An add-on is the societal expectations of a woman centred on her weight and looks, in which she continually stresses herself out to try to achieve the perfect figure, unaware that it indirectly impacts their mental health as well.    How does Ayurveda come to the rescue?   Ayurvedic beliefs highlight that every woman is unique, and her health is affected by her distinct constitution, or Dosha, which might be Vata, Pitta or Kapha dominant. Menstruation, pregnancy, parenthood, and menopause are all distinct life stages that women will experience over their lives.   The ancient method also clarifies the importance of diet, natural medicines, and lifestyle choices. They are created exclusively for a woman’s requirements. These practices also highlighted the value of self-care, stress management, and emotional balance.   Hormonal Balance Ayurvedic medicines and treatments assist in managing the hormonal fluctuations that women regularly experience. They treat conditions including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular periods, and menopausal symptoms.   Fertility and Reproductive Health Ayurveda offers extensive recommendations for increasing fertility and improving reproductive health. It’s accomplished by food recommendations, natural remedies and lifestyle changes.   Menstrual Health Ayurvedic medicines for monthly discomfort include particular herbs, warm oil massages, and heat therapies to relieve cramps, bloating, and mood swings.   Pregnancy and Postpartum Care Ayurveda encourages a healthy pregnancy and a quick postpartum recovery. It offers advice on a healthy diet, prenatal yoga, herbal medicines, and complementary therapies for the mother and child’s health.   Menopausal Support Ayurveda uses herbal supplements, changes in diet, and relaxation techniques to assist people manage menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, nocturnal sweating, mood swings, and insomnia.   Ayurvedic Practices for Women’s Health   Now, let us look at some ayurvedic techniques that advise for improving women’s health.   Abhyanga Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic practice of self-massage, is one of the most beneficial ways for women to care for their minds and bodies. The mild ritual, therefore, consists of applying warm oil to the body.  It has several benefits in addition to relaxing.    The process also helps to improve blood circulation and calm the nervous system. Abhyanga is particularly effective for women facing discomfort or menopausal symptoms. The therapy also helps to keep the joints lubricated and the skin healthy. Abhyanga promotes a profound connection with one’s body and increases self-awareness daily/anytime you desire some self-care.   Yoga and Pranayama Yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) are two of the most effective methods advised by Ayurveda for women’s health. These activities promote body-mind harmony, making them crucial for emotional and physical well-being. Yoga positions, or asanas, can help with common conditions, including menstruation cramps and back discomfort.    They increase flexibility, strength, and posture for women of all ages. In contrast, pranayama focuses on breath control. Practising these strategies can be beneficial. They are a great way to relieve tension and relax your thoughts. One can readily adapt these techniques to any age group and can perform them with or without the assistance of an ayurvedic doctor.   Herbal Remedies Ayurveda offers a wealth of herbal therapies for addressing typical women’s health concerns. Several herbs give significant health advantages to women. They help promote hormonal balance, making them ideal for menstruation irregularities and menopausal symptoms.    Turmeric and ginger are well-known home treatments for digestive and inflammatory disorders. They identify as the root cause of a variety of women’s health issues.  Herbal drinks such as chamomile and peppermint might help relieve tension and anxiety.  … Continue reading Women Health Exploration Through Ayurvedic Lenses