Chhabeel (kachi lassi)
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Chilled milk diluted with water and lightly sweetened, served free to passers-by at roadside stalls on Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom day.
Region: PunjabOccasion: Shaheedi Purab of Guru Arjan Dev (early summer); hot daysTime: 10 minServes: 10Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 litre chilled milk
- 3 litres cold water
- ¾ cup sugar, or to taste
- A few drops of rose water (optional)
- Ice cubes
Method
- Dissolve the sugar in a little of the water.
- Pour the milk and the rest of the water into a large clean vessel and add the sugar water.
- Stir well and add rose water if using.
- Add ice and keep the vessel covered and cool.
- Ladle into glasses and offer to everyone who passes by.
History
Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, was martyred in Lahore in 1606. Sikhs remember him in the hottest part of the year by setting up chhabeels, stalls that serve cool sweet drinks to all.
Significance
Serving chhabeel is a form of seva (selfless service). Volunteers stop vehicles on the road to offer a cool drink to anyone, whoever they are.