India is a melting pot overloaded with people from all walks of life who follow tons of different traditions and cultures.  Most of the people living in India are Hindus and follow strict rituals when it comes to worshiping their Gods.  They are set rules and follow the process as taught to them since childhood.  A very important part in following these rituals is worshiping the Gods and offering them the best food to the and nothing comes to mind before the light weight and beautiful, crunchy Fox nut or phool makhana for their beloved Gods. Makhana seeds are quite popular in India and can be found easily in the market.  Phool Makhana is majorly cultivated in beautiful ponds in Bihar and is transported around the world.  It is one of the most popular super foods you can include in your diet.  Fox nut is not just a healthy way of living but holds a special place in the Indian culture.

Speaking of cultures let us talk about what foods are offered to Gods, it is mainly sweets made by dairy products, fruits, a few vegetables, dry fruits and then Phool Makhana.  Fox nut is one of the primary things that is offered to Gods especially during festivals and especial events specially in Mithila region in Bihar and Nepal since ages.  Makhana seeds are not only used as an edible goodie but are used in making garlands for Gods to make them happy.  Other than that, the Makhana is roasted and offered which has make Fox nut an important part of the culture in India. 

Not only is this crunchy snack used as an offering but are eaten during the fasts as Makhana seeds do not come into the category of grains.  Indians love to fast because they believe in its power therefore Makhana holds a special place in Indian culture and you will find them in every home around the country. 

Let us not forget about the Indian mythology and see how Fox nut places itself in the midst of this strong Indian culture. 

1. Initially Fox nut was seen as the food for poor people especially in the state of Bihar but under the reign of King Darbhanga, farmers around the region started to cultivate Makhana seeds and the rest is history and since then it has been used in all the foods that are offered to Gods during major festivals around the globe. 
2. Phool Makhana is also known as ‘Satwik Bhojan’.  According to the Hindu scriptures it was advised to eat light and easily digestible foods during fasts therefore Makhana came into the category of being one of the lightest weight foods and extremely nourishing as well. Eating raw or roasted Makhana keeps a person full for a long time and helps to retain energy during fasting. 
3. Makhana seeds are not only popular and sacred among Hindus but it is as popular in Muslim communities as well.  People who fast during Ramazan eat roasted Makhana with dates and fruits to get the nutrition required for their body during the fasting days. 
4. Makhana Chivda, if you are a Gujrati, you’ll know what we are talking about.  Makhana seeds are used in Gujrati homes during festivals especially during Navratri. Women in Gujrat makes this tasty snack by roasting it in some desi ghee and Rock salt, they also add peanuts and dry fruits in it to make it more nutritious.  
5. Makhana is also used in the Jain community by Shewtambara and Digambara during festivals and fasting.  Jains eat foods that are considered pure and this is when Fox nut comes in handy for them.  It gives them all the strength they need during their fasting days as well as keep them healthy. 
6. Currently Makhana seeds and its flakes are gaining its popularity at the global platform due to its rich nutrients and its sacred name. Some of the Western countries have recently acknowledged the benefits of Makhana seeds but its name goes back a thousand years ago and you can easily find its mention in the mythology. 

Phool Makhana is used in various ways in the Indian culture. It is widely used in religious ceremonies around the country.  Here are a few uses of Makhana seeds in the religious events. 

1.  Makhana seeds are used in marriage rituals in different Indian sub continents. 
2. Phool Makhana is used during the Parikarma for counting the number of parikrama done by the devotees. 
3. In Hindu culture when a person dies, Fox nut is used during the Shraaddha Karma as a ritual for them to pass through the world to their heavenly home. 
4. Makhana is also used in the making or prasadam during the festivals or poojas. 
5. Roasted Makhana or raw makhana is used as a major fasting food during the fasts in almost all the religions. 
6. Fox nut is used as a sacred Havan Saamagri in the Hindu culture. 

Now, that you know that Makhana is not only a super food but has a rich history and culture significance in India you can easily include it in your daily diet.  Makhana can be bought easily in the market.  Makhana price varies in the market depending on the brands.  If you are willing to start eating this super food and benefit from it you can either find it online or buy it from the local stores in different price range.