Makhana in Indian Mythology

India is a home to many religions mainly Hinduism, Islam, Christians and Sikhism. Apart from these, Jains, Buddhists, Parsi community too are a part of the glorious history of India. Religions has played a very important role amongst ancient India. Mythology talks about uncountable Gods and Goddesses. Every state of India has many deities that have been revered over centuries. In Indian mythology, festivals are celebrated in the the honour of all the deities.

* Mainly cultivated in Bihar, Makhana has a long history of being considered as a pure food in Indian culture. In Eighteenth century, under the kingship of King Darbhanga, Makahana was cultivated in the small region of Madhubani. Since then, Makhana has been included in all the food offering during festivals across the country.

* Be it any religion or culture in India, Makhana has been a part of every religious practice and rituals. Makhana has been considered as a “Satvik Bhojan” that is offered to idols of Gods and Goddesses. In Indian mythology, in religious texts, it is advised to take light, easy digestible food like Makhana that helps in working of the digestion system of the people observing fasts. It does not disrupt the body functioning due to lack of nutrients.

*Owing to its heavenly nature, Makhana is considered pure during Pooja and Havans during Hindu ceremony. People observing fasts during Navratri and Durga Pooja have Makhana as a food to eat. Apart from dry fruits, fruits, Makhana is very famous option even in Muslim community during Ramazan. People observe Roza or fast and eat Makhana in different forms.

* Makhana has always been a very important ingredient of any food offered to God as it has many benefits that helps people in keeping healthy. People also offer Makhana desserts like Kheer and sheera to deities. It is also then distributed among the devotees. Many people open their fasts with Makhana kheer. It is considered auspicious to make Makhana snacks at home as opposed to eat from packaged Makhana that are being sold by retailers these days.

* After the awareness among people, many manufacturers and retailers have tried to cash in on selling Makhana products during festivals and religious celebrations. However, Indians still prefer to make Makhana at home with their own hands as they believe in following the whole ritual process during any fast or festival.