Ulunthu Kali is a traditional Tamil health food, especially prepared during puberty ceremonies for girls, because it helps in strengthening bones, improving blood levels, balancing hormones, and increasing stamina.

Black urad dal (Ulunthu) - 1 cup

Rice (raw rice or idli rice) - ¼ cup

Palm jaggery (Karuppatti) - 1 to 1½ cups (as needed)

Water - as required

Gingelly oil (Nalla ennai) - 2-3 tbsp

Method of Preparation - Ulundhu Kali

1.    Take black ulundhu and grind it into a fine powder. Sieve the flour to remove any coarse particles.
2.    Add rice powder in the required quantity and mix well.
3.    Add sufficient water to the mixed flour and stir well to form a smooth, lump-free mixture.
4.    In a thick-bottomed vessel, pour about 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
5.    Reduce the flame and slowly add the prepared mixture, stirring continuously.
6.    Cook on low flame, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a smooth consistency.
7.    Once the correct texture is achieved, add milk and sugar according to taste.
8.    Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
9.    Remove from heat when the kali becomes soft and smooth.

After attaining puberty and performing the puberty ceremony, many girls have doubts about whether they can go to temples during their menstrual periods. This is a common question. Traditionally, it is believed that during menstruation, a woman’s energy moves downward, while temples are considered spaces with high-level, upward-moving energy and strong vibrations. Because of this difference, it was believed that entering temples during this time could cause an energy imbalance or discomfort. During periods, many girls experience physical pain, fatigue, and low energy levels, and some may feel irritable or emotionally sensitive, making it difficult for them to interact comfortably in social situations. In earlier times, women used cloth instead of sanitary napkins, which often caused discomfort and required more care and rest. Considering these physical and emotional challenges, elders advised girls not to visit temples or crowded public places during menstruation and instead provided them with a separate, quiet space to rest. This practice was not meant to neglect or isolate girls, but rather to ensure proper rest, hygiene, and recovery during a sensitive and demanding time for the body.

Puberty is a significant phase of development marked by rapid physical growth and hormonal changes. During this stage, maintaining a healthy hemoglobin (HB) level is especially important, particularly for girls, as the body’s demand for iron increases. Low hemoglobin levels during puberty can lead to fatigue, weakness, and reduced concentration, which may affect overall growth and daily activities.

A pure vegetarian diet can effectively support the increase and maintenance of Hb levels when it includes iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, rajma, beetroot, dates, raisins, and jaggery. Regular consumption of these foods helps in the natural formation of healthy blood. In addition, vitamin C rich fruits like oranges, lemons, guava, and amla should be included, as they enhance the absorption of iron from plant-based sources. Adequate hydration and a balanced intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables further contribute to healthy blood circulation.

In conclusion, following a well-planned pure vegetarian diet during puberty plays a vital role in increasing hemoglobin levels, supporting healthy growth, and promoting long-term wellness.

Ulunthu kanji, prepared using black gram (ulunthu), is a nutritious traditional food commonly consumed to improve strength and overall health. It is rich in iron, protein, calcium, and dietary fiber, making it highly beneficial during puberty when the body undergoes rapid growth and increased nutritional demands. Regular consumption of ulunthu kanji helps in improving hemoglobin levels, supporting healthy blood circulation, and reducing fatigue.

For adolescent girls, ulunthu kanji supports bone strength and muscle development due to its high calcium and protein content. It also aids digestion and helps maintain hormonal balance. When prepared with natural ingredients such as rice flour, palm jaggery, and spices like dry ginger, it provides sustained energy and warmth to the body. Being completely vegetarian and easily digestible, ulunthu kanji is a wholesome food that supports healthy growth and long-term women’s wellness.

Recipe (Pure Vegetarian)

Benefits of Gingelly oil, The combination of gingelly oil (nalla ennai) and palm jaggery (karuppatti) is a traditional remedy followed during puberty in South Indian practices. This mixture is believed to improve blood circulation, prevent constipation, and enhance overall body strength.

Gingelly oil plays an important role during puberty, as it helps in strengthening bones and muscles during growth. It also supports hormonal balance and promotes healthy menstrual cycles. Palm jaggery adds iron and energy, making the combination highly nourishing.

Traditional Preparation Method (As said by old Siddhars):
Take 50 grams of palm jaggery and add it to gingelly oil. Blend the mixture well until it is smooth.

Dosage:
Give 50 ml of this mixture morning and evening for 16 days to girls who have attained puberty.

Benefits:
-Improves blood circulation
-Increases body strength and stamina
-Supports hormonal balance
-Helps in maintaining healthy menstrual cycles
-Prevents constipation and improves digestion

This traditional combination is valued for supporting physical development and overall well-being during puberty.

Puberty is a crucial stage of growth during which the body experiences many physical and hormonal changes. Proper nutrition during this time is essential for healthy development, especially for girls. A balanced vegetarian diet helps support growth, energy, and overall well-being.

Calcium-rich foods such as milk, curd, paneer, ragi, and sesame seeds help strengthen bones and teeth. Protein-rich foods like lentils, chickpeas, rajma, soy products, and nuts support muscle growth and body repair. Iron-rich foods, including green leafy vegetables, beetroot, dates, raisins, and jaggery, are important for maintaining healthy blood levels and preventing fatigue.

Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that boost immunity and improve digestion. Whole grains such as whole wheat, and millets supply long-lasting energy. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and small amounts of ghee support hormonal balance and brain health. Overall, a nutritious vegetarian diet during puberty lays the foundation for a healthy and strong future.

The puberty ceremony is a traditional practice followed in some Hindu families to mark a girl’s transition into womanhood, and while it is cultural in nature, many of its practices can be understood with scientific reasoning. As girls today often attain puberty at an earlier age, it is important to prepare them mentally and physically for the changes they experience. The ritual bath using repeated pouring of water helps regulate body temperature, promotes blood circulation, and provides a calming effect on the nervous system, which can reduce stress during this sensitive phase.Facing east during the ceremony aligns with exposure to early sunlight, which supports circadian rhythm and vitamin D synthesis. The use of turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain skin hygiene and prevent infections.This reflect an early understanding of hygiene, mental well-being, and emotional reassurance during the puberty stage.

In ancient times, girls were expected to attain puberty between the ages of thirteen and seventeen, whereas in the present day, many girls attain puberty at a much earlier age, usually between nine and thirteen years. Therefore, it is very important that every daughter is educated about this natural phase of life and guided on how to handle the physical and emotional changes with confidence and care. In Hindu tradition, certain methods and practices are followed for girls who attain puberty, which were said to be advised by ancient Siddhars. These practices are not compulsory; they are shared only as traditional customs followed by some families to support girls during this stage. According to these traditions, if a girl attains puberty at night, the ceremony should be conducted the next morning, and if she attains puberty in the morning, the ceremony may be conducted immediately. During the ceremony, the girl is made to sit facing east and continuously chant “Om Namah Shivaya.” A bucket filled with water is then poured over her head continuously 108 times using a pot of approximately seventeen litres. Some may have concerns that this could cause cold, but it is traditionally advised that the process be done quickly, with four to five members working together to help the girl bathe swiftly. After the bath, sambrani smoke is shown to her hair, she is made to wear a saree, turmeric powder is applied to her face, and she is adorned with flowers. These are the traditional methods said by Siddhars to be followed for a girl entering the puberty stage.