The much-anticipated Annual Khichdi Festival, held from July 1 to July 31, 2024, at the Swadshakti restaurant in Malad, Mumbai, has become a hallmark of health and nutrition, offering a unique culinary journey through Ayurvedic khichdi dishes designed to promote holistic health and wellness. It is hosted by Ayushakti, a leading Ayurvedic health centre.
Chef Manoj Ramesh Kini, the culinary maestro behind the festival, emphasised the importance of the event in the current post-Covid landscape. “The Khichdi Festival is a celebration of holistic health and wellness, perfectly suited for today’s hectic lifestyles. Our aim is to provide a menu that not only delights the palate but also aligns with Ayurvedic principles, helping to balance the doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—as mentioned in ancient scriptures,” he stated.
Panchakarma Style Food: A Return to Simplicity and Health
The festival features Panchakarma-style food, also known as diet food, light food, or Satvik food, which is particularly beneficial in controlling the doshas. The menu carefully avoids sour ingredients like tomatoes and tamarind and instead uses homemade masalas and minimal spices to enhance digestion especially in the monsoon season. The dishes are crafted with ingredients such as moong dal, white pumpkin soup, and coconut soup, with pure ghee to boost metabolism. Moong and Surti Kolam rice are chosen to prevent heaviness and help control diabetes, making the dishes not only delicious but also health-conscious.
A Culinary Delight with Ayurvedic Touch
This year’s festival boasts 12 exotic and Ayurvedic khichdi options, perfect for enjoying the monsoon season. According to Ayurveda, the kapha element in the body is heightened during monsoons, making sattvic and wholesome foods like moong dal, yellow moong dal, and toor dal especially beneficial. The festival menu includes unique and flavourful varieties such as Mumbai Pav Bhaji Khichdi, Paneer Bhurji Masala Khichdi, Dal Palak Tadka Khichdi, and Quinoa Dal Veg Khichdi.
Each dish is served with Masala Moong Papad, Salad, and Energy Kadhi, ensuring a complete and balanced meal. Priced at Rs 260 each, these dishes offer not only taste but also significant nutritional value, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious and comforting meal.
Ayushakti’s Khichdi Festival provides a heavenly dining experience that embodies the essence of Ayurveda and the joy of the monsoon season. Chef Kini remarked, “Our dishes are not just about taste; they are designed to offer a warm, cozy supper that nourishes the body and soul, especially during the rainy season.”
The festival promises to be a delicious, nutritious, and Ayurvedic feast that is perfect for the monsoon season. This festival not only celebrates the rich culinary traditions of India but also underscores the importance of health and well-being in today’s world.
Established in 1987 by Dr Smita Naram, Ayushakti is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company providing Ayurvedic treatment services worldwide.
