ALAPPUZHA: Kerala’s pride and the famed ‘Ambalapuzha palpayasam’ will no longer be known in that name. The taste that is irreplaceable will be known as ‘Gopala Kashayam’ from now on. The new name has come into being, said Travancore Devaswom Board President A Padma Kumar. As some commercial firms are misusing its name, the board decided to rename it and get a patent. From now on the religious offering will be distributed under the new label ‘Gopala Kashayam’.

The palpayasam is a liquid form of sweet made from rice, milk and sugar offered to Lord Sri Krishna, the presiding deity, at the famous temple in Ambalapuzha at noon every day.

Why Gopala Kashayam

As per traditions, the palpayasam was earlier known as ‘Gopala Kashayam’. Traditionally, the payasam is prepared and distributed to the devotees after offering it to the Lord. Like kashayam, milk and water will be boiled for eight hours, then rice and sugar will be added and that is why it is named ‘Gopala Kashayam’.

Protest by locals

The locals are protesting the name change. The people know it as Ambalappuzha Palpayasam. When we hear Ambalappuzha, immediately the palpayasam comes to everyone’s mind. Such is the glory of the place and so the locals demand the patent should be attained in the name ‘Ambalapuzha Palpayasam’. The name change will not be accepted, the temple advisory committee also clarified.