Mumbai: Ram Navami, the celebration of Lord Ram’s birth, is being celebrated today, on April 6, and is marked with prayers, bhajans, and special prasad offerings across India. Among these offerings, Panakam stands out as a sacred and refreshing drink served in temples and homes, especially in South India.
It’s more than just a summer cooler—Panakam is a spiritual preparation that symbolises devotion and the cooling calm of dharma. Quick to prepare and loaded with health benefits, this drink takes less than 5 minutes to whip up and is ideal for the hot weather during this festive time.
Serving Panakam during Ram Navami is symbolic of offering love and devotion to Lord Ram, who is believed to embody maryada (righteousness) and serenity. Offering this sweet, cool drink represents the devotee’s intention to calm the senses and purify the body—essential for spiritual connection.
Traditional Panakam Recipe
Here is the recipe for Panakam:
Ingredients:
500 ml water
4 tbsp grated jaggery
1/4 tsp dry ginger powder (saunth)
5 to 6 black peppercorns (lightly crushed)
3 cardamom pods (crushed)
3 to 4 strands of saffron
A tiny piece of edible camphor (choti quantity only!)
A pinch of salt
Juice of 1 fresh lime
Few fresh Tulsi (holy basil) leaves
Method
Simply mix all the ingredients well in water until the jaggery dissolves completely. Garnish with Tulsi leaves and serve at room temperature or mildly chilled. Avoid blending or over-processing to retain the natural flavours and energy.
Tips
Use of earthen pot: Storing Panakam in a matka (clay pot) enhances its taste and keeps it naturally cool without refrigeration. The earthy aroma adds to the sacred experience.
Minimal camphor: Edible camphor (kapoor) has cooling and digestive properties but must be used in extremely small quantities—a tiny pinch is more than enough. Overuse can cause a strong overpowering flavour and may be harmful.
Tulsi addition: Holy basil leaves not only add a divine aroma but are also known for their antibacterial properties, making the drink spiritually and physically healing.
Panakam benefits
Panakam is not just about tradition—its ingredients are thoughtfully chosen for their health benefits:
- Jaggery provides instant energy and is rich in iron.
- Black pepper and dry ginger aid digestion and balance the cooling effect.
- Cardamom and saffron lend a soothing fragrance and calm the body and mind.
- Lime juice adds a tangy twist, balances sweetness, and provides vitamin C.
In Ayurveda, Panakam is considered a tri dosha pacifier—a blend that helps balance the body’s heat, especially during the summer months.
Whether you make it for a religious offering or simply to quench your summer thirst naturally, Panakam is a drink that connects you to your roots—sacred, simple, and soulful.
Panakam, a sacred and cooling drink prepared during Ram Navami, is a perfect blend of jaggery, spices, lime, and tulsi. Served in temples and homes, this divine elixir not only refreshes but also embodies devotion. Learn how to make this traditional drink in under 5 minutes and explore its health and spiritual benefits. Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
