Panakam - a traditional summer cooler

The older generations truly are wise.....they have come up with recipes that use locally and seasonally available ingredients that have a host of health benefits. Panakam is one such drink that is cools the body while at the same time providing us with much needed energy and minerals (mainly iron).
I associate this drink with Sri Rama Navami - the birthday of Sri Rama, believed by Hindus to be the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. On the nine days preceding and culminating in Sri Rama Navami, the Rama temple in our town would be at its festive best. A temple chariot would be taken out every day and pulled by devotees around the town, with regular stops made at all the homes on the way. Each home would make offerings to the God. Panagam is one of the offerings that is popularly made. Not only is it supposed to be a favourite with the God, it also works as a great thirst quencher for all the people who pull the chariot and for the devotees who have traveled long distances to see the festivities. It is usually made in huge steel vessels and served to all passersby after being offered to the Lord.

What you need:
Jaggery - powdered/grated - 1 cup
Water - 6 cups (adjust depending on how sweet you want the drink to be)
Dry ginger powder/chukku podi - 1 tsp

Making this drink is a breeze. All that you have to do is mix all the ingredients well and then chill for a few hours. That's it - a healthy, nourishing and all natural thirst quencher and summer cooler is ready.

This is my first post for Blogging Marathon #16, themed on Kids' Delight - What kids love for summer. It goes to Smitha who is hosting Kids' Delight this month. This also goes to Sangee's Show me your HITS-Iron rich foods, being hosted this month at Erivum Puliyum.
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other marathoners doing BM#16.