Bonji Water

Bonji water (a variant of lime juice) traditionally called naranga vellam, is an ethnic preparation of lime juice prevalent in southern parts of Kerala, India.This is usually prepared by crushing sliced lemon with fingers and mixing the juice with mild hot water, cold water or soda (commonly called BonjiSoda); sugar, salt or a mixture of both are added to the mixture. It is probably as popular as karikku vellam (tender coconut water) and sambharam (buttermilk) as ethnic drinks of Kerala.

The origins of the word bonji, pronounced in the local dialect as "bwaanji", remain shrouded in etymological mystery. The lemon fruit is popularly known as "bonjikkaaya" in southern parts of Kerala. Bonji water is popular in the southernmost regions of Thiruvananthapuram. In other parts of Kerala it is commonly known as "Naaranga Vellam" or Lime Juice. Usually in kerala houses, guests were welcomed with Bonji Vellam. In occasions like temple festivals and Kavadiyattam, there will be long queues for bonji water.

There are several variations of Bonji water. Often soda is added to bonji syrup. To make it tastier, ginger is added at times. In some parts of Kerala, cardamom is also added.

The term and the concept was popularised by the 2005 Malayalam movie Rajamanikyam. In the movie, Rajamanikyam, the hero played by Mammootty mentions AbOUT this rejuvenating drink to his sidekick, Varkeychan (Bheeman Raghu).

See also

  • Lime (fruit)
  • Lemon
  • Malayalam language

People in Trivandrum say "Bwaanjikalokke Kudichaaa ?" which means 'did you brink lime juice'.