November 03, 2021

Diwali Marundhu | Diwali Legiyam (Lehiyam)


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 Diwali Marundhu or Diwali Lehiyam is a must have on the day of Diwali in our home before we eat any goodies . This practice ,I am sure is followed in many homes in Tamil Nadu.  

Marundhu in Tamil means Medicine and since it is specifically made during Diwali it has been termed as Diwali Marundhu. It is prepared using various natural herbs and sweetened with jaggery . One can call it as home made Chyawanprash. Not only during Diwali, you can easily make this herbal choornam anytime at home and keep it ready . Very helpful in treating mild symptoms of cough,cold or sore throat.  

As per my understanding the practice of having this Marundhu first thing on Diwali Day is probably because we get up as early as 4am , take an oil bath and since October/Nov is winter time ,this herbal medicine will keep us safe from catching  a cold or fever due to the chill weather .

Traditionally there are close to 10 to 12 ingredients that go into the making off Diwali Lehiyam ,but today I am giving you a quick and easy recipe with easily available ingredients in the pantry and can be made in less than 15 mins .


Preparation Time - 10 min
Cooking time - 10 min 
Complexity - easy 

Ingredients 

2 tbsp dhaniya 
1 tsp ajwain /omam
2 tsp pepper corns 
3 tsp dry ginger powder 
3 to 4 cardamoms 
2 to 3 cloves 
1 tsp  ghee 
1 tsp gingelly oil /til oil 
1/2 cup grated jaggery 

** you can also roast a small stick of yashtimadhu/athimadhuram/mulethi if you have at home. 

Method 


  • Dry roast the dhaniya, pepper and ajwain on medium heat until it is warm to touch..keep aside. 
  • Roast the cardamom and cloves and keep aside. 
  • Once the ingredients are cool ,blend into a fine powder along with dry ginger powder .
  • Melt the jaggery in 1/4 cup water and once it begins to appear frothy,add the ground spice mix and mix it nicely.  The flame has to be low .
  • Now add the ghee and gingely oil and continue to cook for another min . The marundhu will appear glossy and resemble halwa texture . Donot stir for a long time else it will be become hard like a candy.
  • Turn it off and transfer to a dry container and store it. 



5 comments:

  1. Good to know about this tradition during Diwali from Tamilnadu. Lehiyam has all the spices that helps to keep the body warm during winter.

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  2. Wow! Diwali Legiyam is wonderful herbal concoction that will warm you up during winter. Definitely something that will ease sore throats and keep you healthy. Thanks.

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  3. What a wonderful tradition Priya. I have read on other bloggers blog about this tradition of making Diwali Marundhu. Like your simple and easy version as most of the ingredients are already present in our kitchens. Traditional home remedies to ward off colds are the best.

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  4. Thank you for sharing this traditional herbal medicine called Marundhu. Certain traditional rituals are followed based on the seasonal weather and these really help to keep ourselves healthy during festive season

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  5. Diwali legitimate is the first item my mil prepares for Deepawal. I love that you have step by step pictures too.

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