Ram Navami 2026: What is Panakam, how to make it and why is it called Lord Rama's favourite drink

The Ram Navami festival is around the corner and one drink closely associated with it is Panakam. It is a natural concoction that beautifully blends faith, health, and tradition, making it a timeless festive drink that continues to refresh both body and soul. Scroll down to read about it and its association with Lord Rama.

Also known as Panagam, it is a refreshing spiced drink made using jaggery, water spiced with black pepper and ginger powder and flavoured with cardamom and lemon. Traditionally, it is a South Indian drink, where the word “Panakam” comes from Sanskrit word called “Pana” means drink or beverage, so Panakam essentially means a sweet, spiced drink, and is especially associated with Ram Navami, where it is prepared as a sacred offering (prasad) to Lord Rama.

According to tradition and temple practices, Panakam is believed to be dear to Lord Rama. On Ram Navami, this drink is offered as bhog to Lord Rama. It is simple and sattvic, aligning with the principles of purity and minimalism in Hindu rituals. It is believed that the rising temperature around the festival helps cool the deity, reflecting care and devotion. In many South Indian temples, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Panakam is a mandatory offering on this day.

Ingredients required: 1/2 liter water, 10-12 saffron strands, 2 tsp cardamom powder, 3 tbsp ginger juice, 1 lemon, 6 tbsp jaggery, 6-7 tulsi leaves, and 1/4 tsp black pepper
Method: Take water in a mixing bowl. Grate the ginger, extract its juice using a muslin cloth, and set it aside. Also, extract the juice of lemon and keep it aside. Add saffron, cardamom powder, ginger juice, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir. Now, add jaggery, tulsi leaves, and black pepper. Give it a gentle mix again. Refrigerate it for 3-4 hours. Offer it to the deity chilled and enjoy.

It is an instant energy booster and aids digestion. It is also said to naturally cool the body and prevent heatstroke. It is also rich in minerals compared to refined sugar drinks. And the use of ingredients like ginger, pepper, and cardamom make it a healthy drink too, as they have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen the immune system.

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