Pidakalu (cow-dung cakes)

Pidakalu or cow dung cakes are made by drying cow dung in the sun and are used for cooking, heating, during festivals and even as a natural insect repellent .

During Sankranti, cow dung cakes are used in a symbolic way. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, on the first day of the festival, called Bhogi, people burn all the negativity by symbolically lighting a bonfire and dumping all the old and discarded things in it. Pancakes made from cow dung are put together in the form of garlands and dumped in the fire as the ash from it serves to be a good source of insecticide and at the same time, provides optimal heat to keep the body warm, with the winter chill and fog still remaining in the air. Legend says that the festival of Bhogi is dedicated to Lord Indra, the God of rains and clouds. People, farmers in particular, worship the Lord to bless the land with good rains, wealth and prosperity.

Pack of 10 cakes