Purse Essentials- Party Preps- The Prasadhana Petika

“Carrying betel leaves, fennel seeds, areca-nut parings, and other fragrant material for chewing, along with fragrant body creams and tassels of flowers, beautiful lotus faced women, are enthusiastically entering chambers desirably fragrant with the dark Agaru or Oudh resin.”

The great poet Kalidas in his medley of Seasons –Ritusamharam describes the winter season routine or Shishira Ritucharya in his own unique way, giving us details about the Prasadhan Petika or the must haves for the women during winters.

The Prasadhan Petika has slowly now given way to modern day purses, but the must haves are still the same. As the party season begins this year, let’s be organized- the Ritusamharam way.

So here are some must haves for your purse apart from your regular make up kit:

1. Make your own Mukhwas

Mukhwas is a healthy substitute for chewing gums and chemical based mouth freshener sprays available in the market today. You can make your own Mukhwas and store it in a tiny bottle, to be carried along while you party hop.

Ingredients:

• Fennel Seeds- 1 cup
• White Sesame Seeds -1 cup
• Grated dried Coconut -1/2 cup
• Powdered Mishri- 2tsp

Toss the Fennel seeds and Sesame seeds in a lightly heated non-stick pan on low flame till a nice smell wafts and the colour becomes light golden brown. Let the seeds cool down then add grated coconut and powdered Mishri and mix well. Store in an airtight jar.

Vaidya Notes: Fennel and Sesame seeds have wonderful actives including Aldehyde, Limonene, Anisic, Pinene, Myrcene, Fenchone, and Cineole. They all have antioxidant and digestive properties.

2. Rose to your Rescue

Do not forget to carry the Pure Rosewater Facial Tonic Mist. Spray the fine mist of this steam distilled water, of the Desi Gulab from Kannauj to refresh your make up and quench the thirst of your skin as often as required.

Vaidya Notes: In Ayurveda, Rose has many synonyms like ‘Taruni’ which means the ‘Eternally Youthful Woman’ or ‘Sundari’ meaning unimaginably beautiful’. Apart from being an excellent hydrator, it is sooths, heals and uplifts your mood

3. Be Oudh Awesome

Like the Ritusamaharam which mentions the use of Agaru or Oudh Resin for fragrance and warming, a winter favorite is to carry the Forest Essentials Oudh and Green Tea Body Lotion with Burnt Cane Sugar and the Body Mist in the same fragrance.

The spicy notes of Oudh, with the nourishment of Kokum Butter and Burnt Cane Sugar will leave your skin soft, supple and scented for hours.

Vaidya Notes: According to the ancient Ayurvedic physicians, Agaru or Oudh is Sitaprasamana which means that it is a warming resin.

4. Butters and Bees – For soft nourished Lips

Last but not the least, always keep the Sugared Rose Petal Luscious Lip Balm with Kokum Butter and Organic Honey handy. The balm may be used as a lipstick base or even over it.

Vaidya Notes: Kokum is a fruit from South India. The seeds are pressed to extract Kokum Oil which when kept at room temperature solidifies into a deeply nourishing butter, packed with fatty acids.

So, this Winter Season, party in style and spice up your Purse Essentials –The Ritusamharam way.