thiruvananthapuram the practitioners of traditional medicine have got an affordable and effective alternative for the costly spa a group of traditional medicine experts from kallar offer steam bath at the ongoing paithrikolsavam at kanakakkunnu grounds they provide a steam bath with an ayurvedic mix made of 55 medicinal plantscosting only rs 200 for 15 minutes the 10day festival is organized jointly by department of sc and st development and kerala institute for research training and development studies of scheduled castes and tribes kirtads aavi kuli or steam bath is being offered with the promise of enhancing blood circulation that will last for two to three months after the bath this is good for our health especially for the skin but harmful for those who have a bp and sugar level of more than 140 and 200 respectively for cholesterol patients a steam bath with medicinal mix is a good option said shibu vaidyar of anjaneya dravida vamshiya vaidyashala apart from ayurvedic practices ethnic dishes and handicrafts of tribal groups have also been exhibited at paithrikolsavam earrings made from coconut shell and hanging lamps made from rattan have found a lot of takers the cultural forum of kirtads aadikalakendra is also organizing performances of traditional art forms of various tribal groups across the country at the venue the fest also features an ethnic food fair where one can have a cup of medicinal coffee for rs 10 the coffee mix is prepared using the leaves stems roots and seeds of medicinal plants specially collected by the tribe said vellan nellara of the wayanad tribal food stall besides coffee ragi ada ragi pakkavada karakund appam etc are other major attractions puzhuk steamed tuber crops served with kuzhi kizhanguchutni for rs 20 has many takers desserts like mulayari payasam chamayari payasam and banana halwa at rs 20 are also high on demand the exhibition open to the public from 930am to 9pm will conclude on friday