Paan has an important place in Indian food. It is not only a mouth freshener but is also considered a symbol of Indian culture and hospitality. Paan is also mentioned in Ramayana. In the Mughal era, queens used to eat it to make their lips red. It is also important in the wedding night.

Many food items are famous in India. You will find many varieties of food here. You must have seen that people often eat paan after eating here. It works as a mouth freshener and dessert. It is as if you get heaven after eating sweet paan. Paan is such a tradition of India, which has been a part of people's life for centuries.

Let us tell you that whether it is a matter of a special occasion or just a desire to taste something good, people of every generation like paan. It is not just a mouth freshener, but is also considered a symbol of Indian culture and hospitality. It is also mentioned in ancient texts and Ayurveda. Paan leaf is full of medicinal properties. It not only improves digestion, but also freshens the breath. In the times of kings and emperors, paan was presented with royal pomp and splendor.

What is the history of betel leaf?

It was decorated with different spices, lime, catechu, cardamom and gulkhand. Banarasi paan is very famous in North India. Whereas in West Bengal, people like sweet paan a lot. Even in South India, paan has its own special tradition. But have you ever wondered what is the history of paan? How did it become a part of our life? If not, then let us tell you in detail-

There is a mention in Ramayana

Let us tell you that the history of Paan in India is more than five thousand years old. Talking about the origin of Paan, it is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Parna'. It means leaf. Chewing Paan has been an old tradition. It has also been mentioned in Ramayana.

Image Credit- Freepik

Lord Rama used to chew Paan

Whenever you read Ramayana, you will read in Ayodhya Kand that Lord Rama used to chew betel leaves in his free time to control hunger. Not only this, when Hanumanji reached Lanka in search of Mother Sita and he set fire to Ravana's golden Lanka, then Mother Sita also gave him a garland of betel leaves. Since then people offer garland of betel leaves to Hanumanji.

Betel seed was sown on the Himalayas

It is also said that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together sowed the first betel leaf seed on the Himalayas. This is the reason why it is considered holy and is also used in worship. When the Pandavas won the war against the Kauravas, betel leaves were used during worship.

Queens of the Mughal period also used to eat paan

It is said that when the Mughals came to India, they used Paan as a mouth freshener. They used to eat Paan by applying catechu and lime. They also used to add cloves and cardamom. Royal guests were also given Paan after the meal. Some queens of the Mughal period also used to eat Paan to make their lips red.

On the first night of marriage, the bride and groom are fed paan

At the same time, Paan is also related to physical relationship. Let us tell you that after marriage, at the time of Suhagraat, the bride and groom were also given Paan to eat. It is believed that eating Paan during physical relationship gives you more pleasure. Today, Suhagraat Paan is also available at many places in UP.

PC:Jagran