{{Short description|Traditional Indian Ayurvedic sweet}} {{Infobox food | name = Panjiri | image = 300px|Panjeeri | caption = | alternate_name = Kasaar<ref>{{cite book | title=Rajpal Hindi Shabdkosh | date=2 August 2021 | isbn=9788170280866 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tmksYDDN_voC&dq=%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0+%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80&pg=PA155| last1=Bahri | first1=Hardev | publisher=Rajpal & Sons }}</ref> | country = India | creator = | course = Dessert | type = | served = | main_ingredient = Whole-wheat flour, sugar, ghee, dried fruits, herbal gums | variations = | calories = | other = }} '''Panjiri''' is a<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Peter |first=K. V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VRWkAgAAQBAJ&dq=Panchajiraka&pg=PA211 |title=Handbook of Herbs and Spices: Volume 2 |date=2004-03-23 |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=978-1-85573-835-5 |language=en |quote=In puerperal diseases such as fever, loss of appetite and disordered secretions after delivery, the following preparation called panchajiraka paka is used.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=SONI |first=JAYANTI |title=Recipe: Jayanti's Magical Dhaniya Panjiri |url=https://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/recipe-jayantis-magical-dhaniya-panjiri/20240605.htm |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=Rediff |language=en |quote=A powdery Indian sweet with panj (from panch) or five key elements, it is derived from the Sanskrit word panchajīraka that siginifies an Ayurvedic concoction.}}</ref> sweet dish from India<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Malik |first=Abdul|pages=419 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=andTEAAAQBAJ&dq=panjiri+pakistan&pg=PA419 |title=Microbial Biofertilizers and Micronutrient Availability The Role of Zinc in Agriculture and Human Health |date=2021 |publisher=Springer International Publishing|isbn=978-3-030-76609-2 |language=en |quote=It is a staple from Punjab region of Pakistan and India}}</ref><ref name=crooke>{{cite book |last1=Crooke |first1=William |title=A Rural and Agricultural Glossary for the N.W. Provinces and Oudh |date=1888 |publisher=Superintendent of Government Printing |location=Calcutta |isbn=9788185326009 |page=218 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.7411/page/n223/mode/2up}}</ref><ref name=obrien>{{cite book |last1=O'Brien |first1=Charmaine |title=The Penguin Food Guide to India |date=2013 |publisher=Penguin Books Limited |location=New York |isbn=9789351185758 |page=32 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BGhBAgAAQBAJ&dq=panjiri+punjabi&pg=PT40 |quote=Panjiri is a Punjabi sweet made of wheat flour or semolina cooked in ghee to which sugar, dried fruits, and natural gum are added.... These are eaten during winter to ward off cold weather ills and also given to women who are breastfeeding.}}</ref> which is specially prepared for Krishna Janmashtami<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name="jan" /> festival. The sweet panjiri evolved from an Ayurvedic preparation called ''Panchajīraka''.<ref name=":1" />
==Etymology== The term ''panjīrī'' is derived from Sanskrit word ''panchajīraka''<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Lingham) |first=Durgadas (Rodney |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O25EAwAAQBAJ&dq=panchajeeraka&pg=PA130 |title=Foundations of Ayurveda: Ancient Indian Medical Knowledge for Modern-Day Problems |date=2013-05-24 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-1-4477-7049-7 |language=en}}</ref> which is an Ayurvedic preparation. The term ''panchajīraka'' is ultimately from Sanskrit elements ''panch'' (five) and ''jīraka'' (cumin or herbal ingredients here).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Varmā|first=Rāmacandra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KtwUAQAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80+|title=Saṅkshipta Hindī śabdasāgara|date=1971|publisher=Nāgarīpracāriṇī Sabhā|language=hi}}</ref> Panjiri is prepared by roasting wheat flour in ghee and adding dry fruits and spices like jeera (cumin), dhaniya (coriander), saunth (dry ginger powder), saunf (fennel) etc. Alternatively, the term ''panjeri'' is also used in Rajasthani dialects.<ref name=":6" />Similarly, term ''pañjarī'' is used in Marathi and Gujarati languages. As per ''The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary, Pañjarī'' is sweetmeat composed of five ingredients, viz. ginger, coriander, ''ōṃvā'' or Ajwaen, pepper (or cocoanut), and sugar. Distributed on birthdays of ''Kṛṣṇa'' & ''Rāma'' and of children.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molesworth |first=J. T. (James Thomas) |date=1857 |title=A dictionary, Marathi and English. 2d ed., rev. and enl |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/molesworth_query.py?qs=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80&searchhws=yes |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=dsal.uchicago.edu |quote=}}</ref>
==Regions of use== Panjiri is consumed in Indian states of Jammu,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Cuisine of Jammu |url=https://www.jktdc.co.in/Cuisines-of-jammu.aspx |access-date=2021-08-02 |website=www.jktdc.co.in |quote=Jammu is famous all over India for Chocolate Barfi, Sund Panjeeri, Patisa and Rajma}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Singh|first1=K. S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9FigAAAAMAAJ&q=jammu+Panjiri|title=Jammu & Kashmir|last2=Pandita|first2=K. N.|last3=Charak|first3=Sukh Dev Singh|last4=Rizvi|first4=Baqr Raza|last5=India|first5=Anthropological Survey of|date=2003|publisher=Anthropological Survey of India|isbn=978-81-7304-118-1|language=en}}</ref> Himachal Pradesh,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borah |first=Jahnabee |date=2020-08-29 |title=Why Himachali cuisine is having a moment |url=https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/why-himachali-cuisine-is-having-a-moment-11598600133557.html |access-date=2021-08-02 |website=mint |language=en |quote=One of them, called panjiri, is a nourishing mix of Himachali grains and nuts, akin to muesli, and can double up as a snack or breakfast item. }}</ref> Punjab,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Malik |first=Abdul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=andTEAAAQBAJ&dq=panjiri+pakistan&pg=PA419 |title=Microbial Biofertilizers and Micronutrient Availability The Role of Zinc in Agriculture and Human Health |date=2021 |publisher=Springer International Publishing |pages=419 |isbn=9783030766092 |language=en |quote=It is a staple from Punjab region of Pakistan and India}}</ref> Haryana,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LBJWAAAAYAAJ&q=+Panjiri|title=Haryana District Gazetteers: Ambala district gazetteer, 1883-84|date=1998|publisher=Gazetteers Organisation, Revenue Department, Haryana|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=K. S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KhIwAQAAIAAJ&q=Panjiri|title=Haryana|date=1994|publisher=Anthropological Survey of India by Manohar Publishers|isbn=978-81-7304-091-7|language=en}}</ref> Rajasthan, Gujarat,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Cultures|first=Institute of Traditional|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ei8oAQAAMAAJ&q=Gujarati+Panjiri|title=Bulletin of the Institute of Traditional Cultures, Madras|date=1966|publisher=University of Madras|language=en}}</ref> Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. It is known by the name ''Panchjeeraka Gudam'' in Southern Indian states.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lingham |first=Rodney |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7qGNBQAAQBAJ&dq=panchajeeraka&pg=PA263 |title=Aushadh Rahasya: The Secret of Ayurvedic Herbs and Disorders of the Mind |date=2013-05-29 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-1-304-08378-4 |language=en |quote=Pancha-Jeeraka Guda Post-natal care for mothers}}</ref>
==Cultural uses==
Panjiri is traditionally prepared in the entire Northern, Central and Western India, and is often prepared as a Prasad in Hindu prayers during Krishna Janamashtami<ref name=":6">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wUJlAAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80+%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80|title=Rājasthānī-Hindī kahāvata-kośa: Aṃ se kā taka kahāvateṃ|date=2003|publisher=Rājasthānī Granthāgāra|language=hi}}</ref><ref name="jan">{{Cite web |date=2020-08-09 |title=Janmashthmi 2020: Why is Panjiri so popular in Janmashtmi? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/why-is-panjiri-so-popular-in-janmashtmi/photostory/77432644.cms |access-date=2021-08-02 |website=The Times of India |language=en |quote=Panjiri is one of the quintessential delights of Krishna Janmashtmi bhog. It is offered to Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu on the occasion of his birth anniversary. }}</ref> Satyanarayan Puja.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Pandey|first=Indu Prakash|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9doJAQAAIAAJ&q=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80+%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3|title=Avadhī kahāvateṃ|date=1977|publisher=Racanā Prakāśana|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Sadaiv|first=Shashikant|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eomDDwAAQBAJ&dq=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80+%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3&pg=PT70|title=Vrat-Upvas Ke Dharmik Aur Vaigyanik Adhar|date=2020 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|isbn=978-93-87980-55-6|language=hi}}</ref> and Bhagavata Purana Katha.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2012-01-19 |title=Panchamrit Panjiri Prasad |url=https://nishamadhulika.com/en/330-panchamrut-panjiri-prasad.html |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Indian Vegetarian Recipes in Hindi {{!}} NishaMadhulika.com |language=Hindi |quote=Panchamrit Panjeeri Prasad is distributed after Satyanarayan Katha, Bhagwad Puja, Krishna Janmashthami. It is also known as Charanamrit or Charanamrut. It is called Panchamrit because it is made by mixing 5 ingredients together}}</ref> The Braj region in Uttar Pradesh is specially known for its traditional Panjiri prepared during Krishna Janamashtami festival.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2013-08-28 |title=Braj decked up for Janmashtami |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/353764/braj-decked-up-janmashtami.html |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |quote=Preparations for Wednesday’s Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, have reached a crescendo in the whole of Braj region of Uttar Pradesh... Special pakwans (dishes), laddoos, dry fruits, panjeeri, panchamrit are being prepared. Most people fast and eat only after the midnight birth of Krishna.}}</ref> In Braj culinary tradition, Panjiri is prepared as a special bhog to commemorate birth of Lord Krishna.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Srivatsa |first=Indira |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NssSEQAAQBAJ&dq=panjiri+braj&pg=PA16 |title=A TO Z INDIA - AUGUST 2024 |date=2024-07-06 |publisher=A TO Z INDIA |language=en |quote=Panjiri is offered to Lord as special offerings and special prayers are held for devotees. Next day after Janamashtami, Nandutsav is celebrated in Braj in all temples and houses}}</ref> Apart from this, Panjiri is also prepared as an offering to Devtas on occasions like Shanti Puja, Havan, Trayodashi Vrats, Navratri Vrats, Dussehra, Janamdivas (birthdays) and other events in the Panchang, i.e. Hindu Lunisolar calendar.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Amrita |date=2018-04-20 |title=Panjiri (Prasad for Indian Pooja) |url=http://thefoodsamaritan.com/panjiri-prasad-for-indian-pooja/ |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=The Food Samaritan |language=en-US |quote=Panjiri is one of the Prasad (food offered to Gods and then distributed between the devotees) items which is prepared for Pooja (the Indian prayer sessions) Havan as well as on auspicious days....Shanti Havan, Janamashtami, Navratri, kids’ birthdays, Dussehra and for Trayodashi fasts and other events in the Indian Lunar Calendar. Also it is common within the punjabi diaspora as it has been traditionally sent to them by their families back home.}}</ref>
== Variations ==
=== Phalahari dhaniya panjiri === This Panjiri is prepared using Dhaniya, i.e. coriander seeds and is specifically prepared for Vrat. The wheat flour panjiri is replaced with Dhaniya Panjiri because consuming grains is generally not allowed during fasting, hence this dish is prepared with the powder of coriander seeds, ghee, sugar, almonds and raisins.<ref>{{Cite news |title=All you need to know about dhaniya panjiri |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-dhaniya-panjiri/articleshow/70771522.cms |access-date=2023-04-19 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
=== Pushtimargiya panjiri === This special variant of Panjiri is associated with Pushtimarg Sampradaya of Vaishnavism. Panjiri forms one of the 56 dishes of the ''Chhapan Bhog'' for Bhagwan Shrinathji, form of Bhagwan Krishna. This Panjiri is prepared as a Naivedhya for Shrinathji. The main ingredients used include : ''Variyali'' (fennel), ''Ajmo'' (carom), ''Dhanna'' (coriander), ''sunthi'' (dry ginger), pepper flakes and ''gari'' (dry coconut).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saroj Shah દ્વારા રેસીપી પંજરી પુષ્ટી માર્ગીય (Panjiri Pushtimarg Recipe In Gujarati) |url=https://cookpad.com/in-gu/recipes/16450013-%E0%AA%AA%E0%AA%9C%E0%AA%B0-%E0%AA%AA%E0%AA%B7%E0%AA%9F-%E0%AA%AE%E0%AA%B0%E0%AA%97%E0%AA%AF-panjiri-pushtimarg-recipe-in-gujarati |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=કૂકપૅડ |date=20 August 2022 |language=gu}}</ref>
=== Dogra sund panjiri === In Jammu region, a special variation of Panjiri is prepared for winter season & Janamashtami Vrat and is called ''Sund Panjiri''. This variation is prepared using lots of dry ginger powder (''sund'' in Dogri) and is loaded with dry fruits native to hills of Jammu division.
=== Rajasthani gond panjiri === In Rajasthan, Panjiri or Panjeri is prepared using edible gum (also known as ''Gond'' locally). The mixture is used to prepare laddus out of it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gond ke laddu Rajasthani Recipe - Recipe Gond ke laddu Rajasthani Cuisine |url=https://www.rajasthandirect.com/culture/cuisines/gond-k-laddu |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Rajasthan Direct}}</ref>
=== Mathura's panchamrit panjiri === This particular variation of panjiri is prepared using atta (wheat flour) as a Prashad for ''Satyanarayan Puja''. Tulasi leaves (holy basil leaves) are also added to the mixture. It is served along with ''Charnamrit'' (a yogurt based sweet drink) and is associated with Braj region.<ref name=":5" />
=== Phool makhana panjiri === It is prepared using ''phool makhanas'' (foxnuts) and is specially associated with Bihari cuisine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-08 |title=How to make Makhana Panjiri |url=https://nishamadhulika.com/en/2205-how_to_make_makhana_panjiri.html |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Indian Vegetarian Recipes in Hindi {{!}} NishaMadhulika.com |language=Hindi}}</ref> ==See also== *Satyanarayan Puja *Krishna Janamashtami *Malted milk *Horlicks
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Indian dishes}} {{Pakistani dishes}}
Category:Indian desserts Category:Indian cuisine Category:Pakistani cuisine Category:Gujarati cuisine Category:Rajasthani cuisine Category:Uttar Pradeshi cuisine Category:Culture in Comilla Category:Wheat-based drinks