The festive elixir for a guilt-free celebration

DEEPAVALI, the festival of lights, is not just about illumination, joy, and sweets; it is also a time when traditional wisdom beautifully intertwines with celebration.

- Sadhvika Srinivas

One such age-old practice that reflects the blend of festivity and wellness is the consumption of Deepavali marundhu, also known as Deepavali lehyam or legiyam.

In South Indian households, this herbal preparation holds a special place. Before the day begins with an oil bath and indulgence in a feast of sweets and savouries, a spoonful of Deepavali marundhu is given to everyone in the family on an empty stomach. The idea is simple yet profound, preparing the body to handle the rich, oily, and sugary foods that define the day’s celebrations.

What is Deepavali marundhu?

It is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation made from a blend of herbs and spices known for their digestive, detoxifying, and immunity-boosting properties. The preparation includes ingredients like dry ginger, pepper, coriander seeds, cumin, ajwain (carom seeds), and jaggery or honey, slowly cooked into a thick paste with ghee or gingelly oil. While sweets, murukkus, and other delicacies dominate Deepavali, they are often heavy and oily. Consuming Deepavali marundhu early in the morning:

@ Prepares the digestive system to handle the festive foods.

@ Enhances metabolism and prevents bloating or indigestion.