Sesame Seeds - Oldest Crop of India

Sesame Seeds - Oldest Crop of India

       Sesame Seeds are one of the oldest seeds known to the mankind, also oldest oil seed crop cultivated in India about 6000 years ago. It is derived from Sesame plant (Scientific Name: Sesamum Indicum) , they are small in size, has Nutty taste, Sweet Flavor, Crunchy and has strong Aroma when roasted and crushed. These seeds have huge health benefits and amazing medicinal properties, oil from these seeds are used in various areas and they are available throughout the year. 

        In Ancient India, around 6000 year ago, sesame seeds oil was used in Ayurveda, cooking, hair treatment, in food and drug manufacture, in vedic rituals and in lighting lamps. The usage and importance of this oil was then spread across various countries like Egypt, Rome, Greek, Japan, China, Arab countries and many more.

     
           India is one of the largest producer of Sesame seeds. These seeds are an important ingredient of Indian cuisine since many millennia. It is specially consumed in Winter for its warming nature.  In Hindi, Sesame seeds are called as 'Til', 'Ellu' in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada and 'Nuvvulu' in Telugu. 

       This plant is an annual herb with flowers that produce pods containing the edible sesame seeds. The pods burst open in a pop, when the seeds are mature

              Sesame seeds have highest oil content compared to any other seeds. There are different types of sesame seeds, black colored , brown colored and white colored. Black and brown sesame seeds have their husks in tact and white sesame seeds have the husks removed. Indeed, black colored sesame seeds have much more magical properties than white colored sesame seeds. 

         Black Sesame contains more Iron than White sesame seeds, it is more flavorful and have strong aroma than white one. The husk in the black sesame seeds gives little bitter taste, with strong aroma and thus it is used along with bold ingredients. Hence, it is recommended for the people having Anemia or Weakness. It is beneficial for teeth, bones and it helps to strengthen them. 

          According to Hindus, Sesame seeds are associated with Lord Vishnu. It is called as divine seed, as it is emanated from the sweat of Lord Vishnu, which fell on the ground. In Vedas, Sesame seeds are called as 'seed of immortality', as it is believed that Lord Yama himself blessed the seed. It first appeared in India, then spread across the world. 

        In Hinduism, Shraddha is a ceremony performed in the honor of dead ancestors. Shraddha will be performed every year and in some family tradition, it will be performed every month / quarterly, on the day of Amavasya (New moon day). It is believed that, Sesame seeds used in these rituals will satisfy the hunger of dead ancestors, by doing Tarpanam.

      Tarpan is the offering of water mixed with black sesame seeds, Barley, Rice and Darbha grass. It is also believed that ancestors will appear by the process of Tarpan and it is a ritual that provides an opportunity to repay debts to our ancestors.

   

         During Makar Sankranti, people lit lamps at home using this oil. This oil is considered as the best oil for lighting lamps both at temple and at home. In Karnataka, Makar Sankranti is not complete without these Sesame seeds. First, people take oil bath with sesame oil and prepare a customary sweet called  'Ellu Bella'. Ellu - Sesame seeds, Bella - Jaggery, a famous traditional sweet prepared in copper vessel, using Sesame seeds and Jaggery. 

Ellu Bella

          These sesame seeds are eaten as a sweet, exchanged with friends and given away as 'Daan'. 

        Sesame seeds are rich in Oleic acid, which helps in lowering the bad cholesterol and thus good for heart. Magnesium in Sesame seeds gives relief for Asthma. It contains essential minerals such as Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium and Sodium.  It contains 5 times more calcium than a glass of milk. It is a great vegetarian source of Protein, 30 grams of dried sesame seeds provides

• 291 mg of calcium,
• 9.77 mg of Selenium,
• 5 gms of protein, 
• 0.22 mg of Thiamin and 
• 4.11 mg of Iron
• 38 mcg of Folate
• 100 mg of Magnesium
• 120 mg of Phosphorous
• 163 calories of Energy
• 5 mg of Fiber etc

Sesame Oil / Gingelly Oil

        Sesame seeds oil is also called as Gingelly Oil, it is rich in antioxidants and and healthy fats. Sesame oil contains Vitamin E which slows the ageing process and protect cells from free radicals. 'Sesamin', a compound that occurs naturally in sesame seeds and oil, reduces cholesterol, protects against kidney damage, Lowers blood pressure, promotes bone health. 

       Traditional method of extracting oil from sesame seeds are by turning bullocks in clockwise direction using wooden churner and  wooden base to crush the seeds. Why to use wood ? Because, wood absorbs heat and maintains normal room temperature on seeds while extracting the oil, which is also known as 'Cold Pressed oil'.

       This type of cold pressed oil is called as 'Mara Chekku Ennai', in Tamil. Cold pressed oil is the natural way of extracting oil from the seeds, since it is not heated, it retains all the natural nutrients and it is best for humans health. 

               The sesame seeds are placed in the wooden base and then ground into paste using churner, turned by bullocks until it expels the oil. As the seeds are not heated, it yields less oil compared to heating mechanism used in modern method of commercial oil. 

         In Modern Era, instead of bullocks, wooden machines are used to extract oil from the sesame seeds. After so many centuries, Chekku Ennai (Cold Pressed oil) have made a comeback in a daily diet, as the people have become more health conscious and started to connect with the roots of our ancestors. 

Grounded paste of sesame seeds with expelled oil

  In South India, oil bath with sesame oil is considered as auspicious and it is must before taking part in any festivals and vedic rituals. Sesame seeds oil is used for various reasons, below listed some of the reasons for using this oil

Sesame seeds oil in Cooking:

        In South India, especially Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh and Kerala, Traditional spicy dishes are cooked with this oil in a clay pot. Traditional dishes such as Vatha Kuzhambu, Puliyodharai,  Pulusu, flavored rice, pickles and many more. The reason for using this oil specifically is, it balances the hot spicy and tangy taste of the dish, so it used where the dish is having more spiciness or having more tanginess.

           This oil serves as preservative and it is the best oil used for pickles. Gingelly oil itself is having longer shelf life, so most of the pickles uses Sesame oil, as it can be stored for long time. The pickle has to be soaked in oil, to prevent from yeast formation and to reduce the excess spiciness in it. If less oil is used in the pickle, it will be spoiled soon. 
   

          In South India, for deep frying ground nut oil is used, for less spicy dishes and tempering Coconut oil is used. Apart from Desi Ghee, Coconut oil, Sesame oil and ground nut oils are used for cooking, which has amazing health benefits and the sesame oil is not used for all types of cooking, as it changes the aroma of the food. According to the taste of the dish, specific oils are used.   
   
        'Ellu Sadam' (Sesame seeds Rice), 'Ellu Podi' (Sesame seeds chutney powder) are the most common way of adding these seeds into the diet, as these seeds are roasted and crushed into powder. 

Ellu Rice

         Below picture is the Sesame seeds chutney powder, which will be mixed with sesame seeds oil and forms like a paste. It is usually eaten along with Idli. 

Sesame seeds chutney powder,

In Hindu Rituals:

         These sesame seeds are used in vedic ceremonies for ages. Hindus uses them in funeral rites and monthly ceremony for departed ancestors souls called Tila Tarpana. An offering of Sesame seeds to ancestors prevents negative energies from obstacles. In Hindu rituals, Sesame seeds oil / Til oil is considered as auspicious next to Desi Ghee. 

         Ellu vilaku, Mud lamp filled with sesame seeds and oil is lit, to pacify the malefic effect of Lord Shani (Saturn). Black sesame seeds packed in a small black cloth is placed inside the lamp and filled  with sesame oil, let the cloth gets soaked with the oil. Then lit this lamp using the cloth as wick, facing Lord Shanishwaran (God of Saturn).  It is believed that lighting Ellu Villaku on Saturdays will pacify the God and will get his blessings.

In vedas, it is mentioned that sesame seeds oil is best for human kind. 

      In Hinduism, traditionally Sesame seeds oil are used to light diyas / lamps in temples and at home. Lighting lamp using this oil creates peace of mind, confidence and removes negative thoughts. In a Daily routine, diyas are lit at home in the morning and in the evening. During any festival / occasions more diyas are lit at the house entrance, Pooja room and all around the house.

             Oil lamp / Diya / Deepam is lit to bow down to knowledge and to remove darkness from the house.It is a customary event to lit lamp before starting any auspicious event or ceremony. The vibration which emerges from the lamp spreads positive energy at home, brings peace and prosperity.

In Hair Treatment

       Sesame oil is full of nutrients needed for healthy scalp and hair. Regular massage with warm sesame oil penetrates into the scalp and increases circulation. Head massage reduces stress, induces good sleep and delivers nutrients to grow your hair. This oil stimulates hair growth by nourishing, conditioning and promoting healthy scalp 

           In traditional Chinese medicine, Black Sesame seeds are considered as best anti- aging food. Along with nourishing the scalp, these seeds promote melanocyte activity to produce melanin, which is the pigment responsible for hair and skin color.

Benefits of Sesame oil for Hair

• Treats premature greying
• Promotes Hair Growth
• Revitalize damaged Hair
• Nourishes Hair Follicles
• Combat hair loss due to stress
• Maintain Healthy Scalp
• Controls Dandruff
• Prevents Hair fall and dryness
• Retains natural hair color
• Effective Lice Treatment
• Natural Moisturizer.

In Ayurveda:

          In Sushruta Samhita, Sanskrit text of Ancient Ayurvedic medicinal book mentioned that Sesame seeds oil is the most commendable of all oils. It is recommended for wounds, burns, animal bites. Regular body massage with sesame seeds oil will promotes good health and balances three doshas in the body. 

       In Ayurveda, Sesame seeds oil is used as base oil for preparing medicated herbs infused oil called 'Thailam' and it is also used in preparing medicinal paste. Tila is the ayurvedic name of sesame oil.

Regular oil massage using Sesame seeds oil will

• reduces anxiety
• nerve and bone disorders
• poor circulation,
• lower immunity, 
• bowel problems and muscle tension. 
• It tones the skin and promotes strength and vitality.

         Oil pulling is the ancient ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. Oil pulling creates clarity in all five senses, it also called 'Gandusha' in Ayurveda. 
        In the morning on an empty stomach,swish one tea spoon of sesame oil in your mouth without swallowing it, allow it to pull the toxin from your body. While relaxing your jaw, allow the oil to swish between your teeth and gums, Chew it ! After 10 -15 minutes, spit the oil out and rinse your mouth with warm water
Coconut oil is best for summer and sesame oil is best for winter

 In Ayurveda, oil pulling using sesame / Gingelly oil has many benefits

• treatment of sinusitis
• psoriasis
• obesity
• dry skin
• kidney problem
• rheumatic pain and inflammation
• tooth decay and gingivitis 
• whitens the teeth

Oil pulling using coconut oil

• Releasing bacteria, virus, fungi and parasite from the body
• Improving the health of receding gum tissue
• Whitening the teeth
• strengthens teeth and gums
• reduces tooth sensitivity and pain
• helps clear the sinuses
• Helps with bad breath
• Prevents cavities and Gingivitis.

           As the Sesame seeds oil penetrates into the skin quickly, it is used to massage babies. Indian mothers, massage their baby with this oil and put them under the sun for few minutes, for the absorption of Vitamin D. This oil nourishes the cells naturally, also massaging with this oil makes the skin soft and shine

Diet:

          There is a proverb in India that "To Feed sesame seeds for under weight / thin people and feed Horse grams for Obese people". Sesame seeds and its oil has to be given for under weight people.

       Ellu urundai, a sweet made of roasted sesame seeds mixed with Jaggery syrup and cardamom powder. It is a common tea time snack served in South India.

   Sesame seeds can trigger allergic reaction to some people. If there is fever or diarrhea, avoid eating sesame seeds.


Pregnant Women

       Sesame seeds have good amount of folic acid and Iron which is essential for pregnant mothers. Folic acid is essential in DNA synthesis of growing fetus. Also,it increases the Hemoglobin levels of the Pregnant women.

Caution: As sesame seeds with Jaggery, increases body heat, it is to be consumed in limited portion during pregnancy. Eating more heating producing foods are not good for the baby.

Lactating Mother

         Sesame seeds are rich source of calcium, which is essential for lactating mothers. This is treated as helpful lactating aid for mothers, as it contains antioxidants and many nutrients which is beneficial for the health of both mother and baby. 

        These are some of the benefits of eating sesame seeds and oil, which is followed in India, from generation to generation for thousands of years !!

       These sesame seeds can be traced back to Indus valley civilization. Sesame plants were used as source of edible oil in Mesopotamia and Syria in Bronze age. Paintings in ancient Egypt tombs dated back to 4000 BCE shows, Bakers sprinkling sesame seeds into the dough. Rome is also not left out in using sesame seeds into the bread. Nowadays, we can see sesame seeds are being used in Western cuisines as well, it being sprinkled over Hamburgers, buns, bagels and burgers. Sesame seeds grows only in the tropical region.

       Ancient Greek soldiers carry sesame seeds as energy boosting emergency rations. Sesame seeds are considered as symbol of good luck. From India, the importance of these seeds have been extended to Middle East.

       In ancient Egypt, sesame seeds oil were used in medicines, cuisines and sesame seeds oil lamps were used to illuminate, dated back to 1500 BCE found in archaeological sites. 

        Today, Japan is the largest importer of Sesame seeds, they are using it in their cooking and medicines, after knowing it's remarkable medicinal properties.

           Lets go back to our roots and follow our ancestors way for healthy, happy and disease free life.

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan

Happy Pongal / Makar Sankranti !!!

Pongal / Makar Sankranti

                     
    Wish you and your family a very Happy Pongal !!!

          "Pongal", this festival is dedicated to Sun god, falls on 1st day of 'Thai' month  (Thai in Tamil, Makar in Sanskrit), when the Sun enters into Capricorn. This festival is celebrated for several thousand years, also known as harvest festival, as during this month farmers harvest the rice and sugarcane. It is celebrated as 4 days festival, starting from last day of Dhanu / Margazhi month to 3rd day of Thai / Makar month. 

Suryan (sun god)

              Pongal is also celebrated as Makar Sankranthi and Uttarayan is other parts of India. 'Uttarayan' is six month period where the Sun travels towards North, starting on this day. But, especially in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, Pongal is celebrated with much rigor and pomp for 4 days. 
           In Kerala, on the day of Makar Sankranti, after sunset, one can see 3 flashes of light on top of the 'Ponnambalamedu hill', which is few kilometers away from the famous Sabarimala temple. It is called as 'MakaraVilaku', Makar is the name of the star (Capricorn), it is believed that on this day Lord Ayyappa himself can be seen in the form of light. Every year, millions of devotees will gather in that temple to witness the Makaravilaku. 

              By the mid of Margazhi month, will start preparing for Pongal festival by cleaning our house gradually like gathering the old things, dusting door, windows, ceiling, fans etc. buying new dresses, new rice, dal, jaggery, fresh sugar canes, turmeric plant branches, new pongal pot and many more things. We will be eating sugar canes on this whole month. There is specialty for this sugar canes, while biting the sugar cane, will peel the skin of the sugar cane with our teeth, this will strengthen our teeth and the juice of sugar cane helps in digestion. My grand mother asks us to eat sugar cane after Pongal in the evening, so that pongal cooked in new rice will not cause stomach ache.

Bhogi

      The day before Pongal, i.e last of the Dhanu / Margazhi month, usually comes on 13th January, 'Bhogi' festival is celebrated. On this day, old fabrics, useless mats will be burnt. It signifies the real meaning of 'Burn our old bad thoughts and adapt good new thoughts'.  

             During our childhood days, will sleep in the afternoon so that we can be awake and draw color rangoli till midnight. Every street in our city will be bright and all women will be busy in drawing rangoli, their creativity can be seen in those rangolis . It's like night rangoli competition in the street, where all the ladies decorates their main gate with colorful rangolis (most famous is pongal pot rangoli and peacock rangoli). In my childhood days, when my mom was drawing border of the rangoli, will check other aunty's rangoli and ask our mom to draw bigger, creative and distinctive rangoli. Once, my mom completes the border, will fill the design with different color powders, adding shades in the rangoli is the fun part and after filling the colors, when my mom gives bright white color outlines, it will look more brighter and beautiful. When we complete the rangoli, it will be almost midnight, sometimes we wake early around 3 A.M in the morning to draw rangoli, those were fun festive days, where we can show our creativity.

Puran Poli / Opputu / Bobbatlu

              Puran Poli is the special sweet prepared during Bhogi festival. It looks a small size thin stuffed parata, the outer layer is made of maida and the stuffing is mashed channa dal with jaggery. With the stuffing, will place it in the maida dough and flatten it like a parata, then place it on hot tawa and cook with ghee on both the sides. When, it becomes little brown / red color on both sides, then take it out from the tawa and it is ready to serve.

Pongal / Makar Sankrati

            Pongal meaning 'Overflowing', signifying overflowing prosperity and happiness at home as it's the harvest season. On this day, we wake up early in the morning, takes oil bath , wear new dresses and celebrate with sweets. A day before the festival, will clean pooja room, pooja utensils and apply turmeric, kum kum on all god photos, pooja utensils etc. After taking bath, decorate pooja room with flowers and garlands, will draw Maa kolam (Rangoli using rice flour) at the entrance of our house, at the pooja room, on the kitchen counter slab, over the gas stove (stove where the pongal pots are going to be placed) and at the terrace,where we worship Sun god (usually will use terrace for Sun god pooja, we can use our balcony also).

          As per my family tradition, by 6 in the morning will do pooja at the main door of our house. It will be done by the eldest woman of the house followed by all other women of the house (Mostly only women will do this pooja). At the main door will place a plate with little rice and over that Kamakshi Amman Vilaku (a type of lamp) will be kept.  It will be lit before doing main door pooja and in another plate place Lord Ganesha made of turmeric paste. (Refer below picture for reference)

 Along with Ganesha, place betel leaves, betel nut and fruits as Prasadham for Ganesha(Food Offering to God). After this pooja, will start the preparation for Pongal dishes.

              First, will wash the pot (as per my family tradition will use Vengala uruli, its a brass pot) and apply viboothi pattai ( 3 lines of ash powder) at three sides of the pot with turmeric and kumkum dots at the center of the viboothi pattai. Then, will tie the neck of the pot using turmeric plant branch (Manjal kothu), ginger plant branch (Manjal kothu) and pour water and milk according to the amount of rice going to be used. Before placing the pot over the stove, check Rahu kalam for that day, as per our customs, we don't start or do any good things during the rahu kalam. So, will place two pots over the stove (One pot for Paal Pongal and One pot for Sakkarai Pongal) either before the rahu kalam or after the rahu kalam. Once,the pot is kept over the stove, will wait for the milk to get boiled, will tilt the pot facing east (Sun god) so that when the milk boiled, it will overflow from the pot towards east direction. During its overflow, all the family members will gather and chorously say 'Pongalo Pongal, Pongalo Pongal, Pongalo Pongal'.

                In one pot, will pour soaked raw rice and in another pot will pour soaked raw rice and moong dal mixture. Have to stir the pot in between, so that rice won't stick to the bottom of the vessel. For 'Paal Pongal', rice will be cooked with the water and milk in the pot, as it's the new rice it will be little bit mashed and all the water and milk will be absorbed. When the rice is completely cooked, it will be in a thick paste consistency (It will be more thicker when it cooled down) and then turn the stove off. At the same time, in the second pot, raw rice and moong dal will be cooked and it will be also in the paste consistency, add required jaggery and cardamon powder in the second pot, once jaggery starts to melt and it will blend well with the rice and dal mixture. Once all the water are absorbed, turn off the sweet pongal pot and add the tempering of cashews, raisins which is roasted in ghee.

Pooja Procedure:

          Once the pongals are ready, will keep these two pongal pots in pooja room. Then, in a big banana leaf will place the prepared full course lunch menu such as Pachadi, vegetable curry, kulambu, vada, sweet pongal and will keep paal pongal at the centre. On top of the paal pongal will pour a teaspoon of cooked dal and ghee. Next, will place full lengthy sugar canes at the two sides of the room, in a plate will keep bunch of betel leaves, betel nuts, fruits and a coconut, then lit diyas / lamps, lit scented sticks, scented cones and then break the coconut into 2 pieces and keep it back on the plate. Now, will take deeparadhana  (Arati) for all the gods in the puja room and at the main door. 

         Then, will go to terrace with prepared pongal neivedhyams (Food prepared for God). In a big banana leaf will arrange couple of betel leaves, betel nuts, coconut, fruits, piece of sugar cane, Vada, Sambar, Curries and 2 types of pongal. In the terrace, will first put Maa kolam (Rangoli using rice flour) / colorful rangoli and place the banana leave facing sun and worship sun god with the prasadham and will take Deeparadhana for the sun god.

Pongal celebration in Village

               In my mother's place, we buy earthenware pot and sugarcane on the day of Pongal, early in the morning. Every year, we buy two new pot for this festival, one for 'Paal Pongal' (Rice cooked using milk and water) and one pot for 'Sakkarai Pongal' (Rice, moong dal cooked using milk, Jaggery and water)

          Mochai Kulambu - For the pongal, will prepare tangy spicy Mochai kulambu (Field Beans sambar) which is the best combination for milk pongal. It's actually mixed vegetable kulambu, where as mochai will be dominated. The day before Pongal (Bhogi), will peel off fresh mochai from it's skin. After having delicious lunch spread, will eat sugar cane as mid meal snacks, which is helpful for digestion, as the new rice will be little difficult for digestion.

Mattu Pongal

                   The day after pongal / Sankranti is called as 'Mattu Pongal', on this day will worship Bulls and cows of our home, it's like paying tribute to bulls, which is a helping friend for farmers. In our house, will consider cows as Goddess lakshmi, will bathe cow and bull, decorate them with flowers and garlands, apply turmeric and kumkum on their forehead, will give fresh green leaves to them to eat and will give special food for them. At last, will take Deeparadhana for bulls, then it will be going around the street, everyone who sees cows and bulls will give food to them and worship them.

              
Jallikattu / Manju Virattu / Eru thazhuvudhal

                        Everyone must have heard the name 'Jallikattu' due to its controversy in the recent past. Why Jallikattu ?? Why to hurt animals ?? Oh no..!! poor illiterate uncivilized Tamil people !!! Huh ??? 'Jallikattu' is neither status symbol nor uncivilized manner, in fact southern part of India is the only one region where our culture and traditions are still being followed, only those who are already converted into western maaya and illiterate about India are thinking that Indian culture & traditions are myth , it's full of superstitions. Let me explain about Jallikattu now, in Jallikattu only humped bulls will participate for the game. Before explaining about the science behind the game, let me remind you that this day 2nd day of Thai / Makar month (mostly 15th January ) is dedicated to Cows and Bulls. We worship, we celebrate and it's thanksgiving to the Cows and Bulls of our family. In villages, we can still see Dogs, Goats, Chickens, Cows, Buffalo, Bulls as pet animal. But, more than all the pet animal Cow deserves special place in the house, we call them with a pet name and even include cows , bulls in our family picture. Even in temples, there is a place called 'Goshala' (Cow's place), where temple committee will take of the humped cows over there and food for god will be prepared from that milk.  

                  Why to play games with bull ?? We are ONLY playing games with bulls, which may hurt humans not the bulls, but in Spain and other countries, they are killing the bulls for the happiness for the human game. Do anybody questioned that ? Jallikattu means 'Embracing the bull', not hurting the animal.

                  
                 In India, we only had humped bull breeds, out of which Kangeyam and Pullikulam breeds are most famous for jallikattu, it is the game for bravery of a man, one who holds bull's hump for 20 - 30 seconds will be the winner.  A bull will be there in the game arena  for max 40 seconds. There are many variants of Jallikattu, 'Vadi  Manjuvirattu' is renowned for mattu pongal,  during this game bulls will comes out of 'Vaadi Vaasal' with a high speed (gate through which bulls enter into the competition area). There are many rules for this game, the person who participates in the competition should be physically fit, at a time only one person should hold the hump, those who touch the tail, horns, neck are disqualified from the game, like this there are many more rules and restrictions for this game. First, Kovil Kaali (Temple bull) will come of the gate and the players allow it a free run, will not touch the bull.
               Now, why this game is needed ? it is not needed for humans, this game is practiced for ages , in order to preserve our country breeds. How ??  Only with the genes of stud bulls, stronger calves will be given birth, thus preserving the genes of our vedic bull breeds. How do we have stud bulls ?? only by feeding and maintaining them ? Can we be stronger only by eating and taking rest ? Stud bulls should be agile, alert and virile. In the peak of the reproductive period, the necessary male hormones needs to be secreted, pumping hearts and adrenaline rushes. 
            When the stud bulls enters into the vadi vaasal with much force and speed, their testosterone level increases,  when the humans tried to control the bull, in a agile it will give back the force, due to which their hear pumps fast and hormone level increases. When the bull wins in the competition (No one couldn't control the bull), then it will be taken directly to the cows of temple for mating. As per our science, it is believed that after this competition, bulls will have complete power and the calves will have best genes with more power and strength. Only our vedic humped cow gives A2 milk, A2 milk produced by our Indian cows are good health, where as the A1 milk from cross breed are toxic for health. A2 milk is having more micro nutrients and minerals which enhances our immunity system.
          

    

           Followed by clothing and food, western diseases are also spreaded in India, due to A1 milk, hormone injected meat and GM foods. Jersey and Holstein cows yields more A1 milk, but very less nutrition and also after few years, they stop yielding milk and not having enough stamina to give birth to calves, even if it gives birth to calves, they very weak, so it is directly sent for slaughter. Due to this artificial insemination from A1 breeds are making our native breeds extinct.
          On a year, our vedic humped cows gives 3 times more milk than the humpless cows. One should not calculate the number of liters of milk in a day, should calculate the number of liters of milk produced in a YEAR. Today Brazil is minting money by selling humped desi  bulls semen, which they have taken from India.
         When we are doing Homam, we use ghees and Gomutra. The Gomutra of humped cows are having many benefits, it has been used in treating various diseases and also used in ayurveda . Indian humped cows doesn't need any antibiotics, it eats greens, water and does work peacefully, whereas the humpless cows eats and drinks throughout the day, falls sick and takes antibiotics, so it's milk is not good for health. Why only humped cows milk is good for health ? Coz, our vedic cows have hump, there is an unique channel (Nadi) from hump till the backbone tail, which causes secretion of purity whether it is milk, urine or cow dung.

Kamadenu Cow that we worship

            
              After knowing the secret of our milk, westerns took many of our Vedic humped cows, milking money and giving best milk to their people, in return they have sent useless humpless cows to India, which gives toxic milk. They know the benefits of A2 milk, they are supplying A2 milk in their market with our desi cows and wants us to drink toxic milk to get diseases, due to which they will be rich with their pharma and health industry. That's the main reason for banning Jallikattu and tarnish indian breed truth, ancient sport , tradition in the name of animal welfare. Now, many foriegn countries are drinking safe and nutritious A2 milk. 

A2 milk in a Foreign supermarket.

             
Kaanum Pongal

             The fourth and last day of Pongal celebration is called as 'Kaanum Pongal', 'Kaanum' means to visit. It is the day for family get together, meet family members, will go to our relatives places, get blessings from our elders and go for picnic / outing to near by places. During this day, the public sightseeing places will be crowded, most of the people go to beaches and other picnic spots. 

-- Aarthi Thiyagarajan