As the tide of veganism sweeps over the world, people are gradually setting into the fold of a plant-based life, both in their diets and as a way of life. Many times, a turn toward veganism raises concerns in people's minds over staying connected with cultural and religious practices that used to be steeped in animal-based ingredients. One such joyous celebration is Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, where devotees prepare different offerings, including the most sacred one: Panchamrit. But what do you do if you're vegan and want to celebrate a whole lot farther? The answer is that veganism has come a long way, and by now, you can celebrate to your heart's content with a scrumptious and spiritually enriching Vegan Panchamrit. The days when vegans had to do away with festive treats owing to inappropriate alternatives are gone by. With increased awareness as well as the availability of vegan products in present-day India, one can safely make some traditional offerings with a sprinkle of modern compassion.
What is Panchamrit?
Panchamrit, also called Panchamrut, is a sacred concoction used in Hindu religious rituals as a part of the worship offered to deities.
The word "Panchamrit" is derived from Sanskrit: "Pancha" means five, and "Amrit" means nectar. As the name goes, traditionally, Panchamrit should be prepared with five basic constituents in the ingredients—milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. These ingredients represent purity, nourishment, and the five elements of nature. Panchamrit is offered not only to the deity but also distributed amongst devotees as prasad, and thus an intrinsic part of Janmashtami celebrations.
Janmashtami and Veganism
This year, when Janmashtami falls on the 26th of August, one need not get paranoid over missing any of the traditions and rituals.
Now coming to the part of making vegan Panchamrit. It is as simple as replacing all the animal-based ingredients with their plant-based substitutes in order to make vegan Panchamrit.
The easy availability of vegan products actually makes this quite easier to carry on the cultural practices without compromising your ethical beliefs. In fact, you can take your offering to the next level by making your own vegan milk at home—be it almond, coconut, or soy milk. This gives it a personal touch, and at the same time, you can be sure of the utmost purity and authenticity in your prasad.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Almond or Coconut milk Homemade or Store bought
- 1/2 cup Vegan yoghurt
- 1 tbsp Maple syrup or Agave nectar
- 1 tbsp Coconut oil
- 1 tbsp Jaggery or Brown Sugar
Method:
In a clean bowl combine almond or coconut milk with vegan yoghurt.
Now add the maple syrup or agave nectar and mix well with the milk and yoghurt. Gradually add the coconut oil, mixing well. Finally, add the jaggery or brown sugar and mix until it is fully dissolved. Your vegan Panchamrit can be offered to Lord Krishna now and also distributed as prasad.
Vegan Replacements for Janmashtami Sweets and Bhog
Almond Milk
Being slick and silky, this dairy-free milk can be mixed with just about any sweets, be it a kheer or peda. The vitamin E, in high content, found in the milk, supports good skin, and eyes.
Coconut Cream
This is great with rich and creamy desserts. In most dishes requiring dairy cream, coconut cream can be used—perfect for payasam or barfi. It has healthy fat content and possibly may further assist with heart health.
Vegan Butter
This is obtained from various plant oils and is thus a straight replacement in most sweet recipes calling for dairy butter. It has the same creaminess and richness but none of the animal products.
Cashew Paste
Make this velvety-smooth paste to make traditional sweets like kaju katli. It is rich in magnesium and essential fatty acids, making it an excellent variation full of nutrition.
Date Syrup
This date syrup is an entirely natural sweetener that may replace sugar. It's loaded with antioxidants and fibre and imparts caramel-like sweetness to the sweets.
With the acceptance of veganism, an increase in the ease of undertaking our cultural and religious practices comes. This Janmashtami, feel the spirit of devotion by celebrating with a vegan Panchamrit and other plant-based offerings. It is your way of honouring the traditions and principles of compassion and non-violence that form the core of living a vegan lifestyle. Embrace a celebratory position in knowing you choose something that is going to be kind to all beings.