Google celebrating Pani Puri Day is a good time to look at the history of India's favourite snack

Google came up with an interactive Doodle game today to mark the occasion of Pani Puri Day. Yes, now we have a Pani Puri Day, and it happens to be July 12. The game challenges players to help a snack vendor fulfil the pani puri cravings of customers, making sure to match their flavours and quantities. It's a race against time or a relaxed stroll for those who prefer a leisurely experience.

But why celebrate this scrumptious treat?

Well, it all began in the city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, back in 2015. A restaurant called Indori Zayka set out on a flavourful mission aimed to achieve a World Record by offering 51 flavours of pani puri. That's right, 51! And they actually achieved it.

World Record of 51 Flavours of Pani Puri! Back in 2015, July 12, a restaurant in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, achieved the World Record for serving 51 flavours of pani puri. Today's interactive game Doodle also celebrates pani puri day. #GoogleDoodle #Panipuri #MadhyaPradesh #Indore pic.twitter.com/wrVirEnf1B

— E Global news (@eglobalnews23) July 12, 2023

You could be wondering, how come the humble fluffy puri and even humbler pani joined hands to be South Asia's favourite snack?

The enigmatic snack perhaps holds more origin stories than fillings in its puri shells. It's like a chaotic party where everyone's got a different tale to tell, but no one can agree on the main course.

• According to ancient legend, pani puri emerged during the time of the Mahabharat, when Draupadi faced her ultimate culinary challenge. With limited ingredients and a dash of creativity, she whipped up golgappa.
• Impressed by the taste, her mother-in-law Kunti bestowed the snack with the gift of immortality.
• And so, pani puri became a divine treat cherished by generations, as immortal as the laughter it brings.
• On the other hand, some voices claim that pani puri has Mughal roots. Apparently, it sneaked its way into the royal kitchens during their rule in India.
• The Mughals, unable to resist the burst of flavours, shared it with the masses. 

• But let's not get too caught up in ancient tales and royal affairs. Renowned culinary anthropologist Kurush Dalal has his own spicy theory. He believes that a smaller Raj Kachori, stuffed with potatoes and saucy goodness, might just be the parent of our beloved pani puri.

ALSO READ: MasterChef Australia and its pani puri bastardisation, from avocado to scallops

Ever heard of JD Pani Puri?

Incidentally, a few hours ago, the trailer of Kannada film Big Daddy dropped, and guess what? The actor just popped a JD puri, filled with peas in his mouth, before scaring the shiznit out of the troop of armed gangsters who had come to capture him.

In the end, pani puri isn't just a snack; it's a celebration of life, love, and the countless smiles it brings to our faces and the occasional tears (Raj and Tani Partner's epic battle in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, anyone?).

So grab a plate, forget the origin debates and the numerous names; and dive into the rollercoaster ride of flavours that is pani puri!