Panakam Explained

Panakam, also spelled Panaka^[1] and Panagam,^[2] (;^[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]

The drink is traditionally made on Rama Navami,^[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. 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. Jaffrey's version to be served cold includes lemon juice, while her hot version does not.

Notes and References

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