Panakam

Panakam, also spelled Panaka^[1] and Panagam,^[2] (Pānakaṃ;^[3] lit. 'sweet drink') is a traditional beverage originating in South India.^[4] According to Madhur Jaffrey it was known circa 1000 BCE; in 2014 she wrote that she has not seen it served but only mentioned in ancient texts.^[5]

Panakam served in a traditional vessel

The drink is traditionally made on tamil temple festivals,^[6] though it is commonly offered as a beverage during Hindu festivals, and as a prasadam after religious ceremonies, especially during the summer months. The Times of India called it "synonymous with Sri Ramnavami".^[7] In some parts of India, it is a traditional part of wedding preparations.^[8][9][10]

According to Jaffrey the base of the drink is jaggery.^[5] It also typically includes some combination of lemon juice, cardamom, ginger, all of which are usually mixed with cold water.^[11][12] In her 2014 World Vegetarian, Jaffrey calls for it to be served hot.^[5] Jaffrey's version to be served cold includes lemon juice, while her hot version does not.^[5]

References

1. Veṅkaṭeśa (Daivajña.) (1996). Sri Sarwarthachintamani: English Translation. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 597. ISBN 978-81-208-1353-3.
2. Indian Folklore Research Journal. National Folklore Support Centre. 2007. p. 48.
3. Institute, Sri Venkatesvara University Oriental Research (2007). Sri Venkateswara University Oriental Journal. p. 215.
4. "Panakam Recipe: How to Make Panakam Recipe at Home | Homemade Panakam Recipe - Times Food". recipes.timesofindia.com. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
5. Jaffrey, Madhur (2014-07-16). Madhur Jaffrey's World Vegetarian: More Than 650 Meatless Recipes from Around the World: A Cookbook. Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed. p. 644. ISBN 978-0-307-81612-2.
6. Chanchreek, K. L. (2007). Encyclopaedia of Great Festivals. Shree Publishers & Distributors. p. 31. ISBN 978-81-8329-191-0.
7. "Panakam Recipe: How to Make Panakam Recipe at Home | Homemade Panakam Recipe - Times Food". Times of India. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
8. Das, Shiva Tosh (1989). Life Style, Indian Tribes: Locational Practice. Gyan Publishing House. p. 123. ISBN 978-81-212-0263-3.
9. The Baramahal Records. Government Press. 1907. pp. 92, 98, 121, 124, 131, 152, 158, 164.
10. Gupta, C. Dwarakanath (1999). Socio-cultural History of an Indian Caste. Mittal Publications. p. 174. ISBN 978-81-7099-726-9.
11. Jagannathan, Maithily (2005). South Indian Hindu Festivals and Traditions. Abhinav Publications. p. 158. ISBN 978-81-7017-415-8.
12. Akkal, Shenkottai Avudai (2014-06-24). Transgressing Boundaries: The Songs of Shenkottai Avudai Akkal. Zubaan. p. 143. ISBN 978-93-83074-46-4.