Women’s health vis-a-vis traditional foods used in Thiruvathira - a folklore festival of Kerala, India

Abstract

Traditional festivals represent an expression of culture and lifestyle resulting from the local climatic, agricultural and economic principles. Kerala, which is endowed with amazing range of festivals is renowned for the food specially made in these festivals. Thiruvathira is one such festival celebrated with much fervour and gusto. In this study, importance of traditional food consumed during Thiruvathira along with its method of preparation, time of consumption and its significance in maintaining women’s health were discussed. On observing the food used in Thiruvathira, one can understand that, tuber crop is the main ingredient in most of the dishes, further indicating hints of its association in regulating or modifying women’s health.