The Curious Case of a Temple Sweet: How Food Increasingly Divides India

In a country as diverse as India, the one thing that has always brought people together is food. From the spicy flavors of the North to the coconut-infused dishes of the South, food has always been a unifying force in a country known for its rich culinary traditions.

However, in recent years, food has become a source of division in India, with certain dishes and ingredients becoming the subject of heated debates and controversies. One such example is the curious case of the temple sweet.

In the southern state of Kerala, a popular temple sweet known as ‘prasadam’ has become the center of a fierce debate over food and tradition. Prasadam is a sweet offering made of rice, jaggery, and coconut, which is traditionally served in temples as a form of religious offering to the gods.

However, in recent years, the ingredients used in prasadam have come under scrutiny, with some groups arguing that the use of jaggery, which is made from sugarcane, is not in line with the principles of the temple, which advocates for a more natural and holistic approach to food.

This controversy has divided the community, with some arguing that tradition should be upheld at all costs, while others believe that it is important to adapt to modern times and make changes where necessary. The debate has even reached the courts, with lawsuits being filed and injunctions being sought to prevent the use of jaggery in prasadam.

The case of the temple sweet is just one example of how food has increasingly become a divisive issue in India. From debates over the consumption of beef to the banning of certain foods in schools and colleges, food has become a battleground for cultural and religious ideologies.

In a country as diverse as India, where food plays such a central role in everyday life, it is important to find a balance between tradition and modernity. While it is important to respect and preserve traditional culinary practices, it is also important to be open to change and adaptation.

Ultimately, food should be a source of unity and celebration, not division and controversy. It is up to the people of India to come together and find common ground, so that food can once again become a unifying force in a country that prides itself on its culinary diversity.