Rooh Afza is a special sherbet that remains a favorite during Eid and summers. This Eid might be different, but amidst Zoom calls and connecting with family, the sweetness of Rooh Afza enhances the festive joy. Let’s explore its fascinating history.

The Birth of Rooh Afza Rooh Afza was created in 1906 by Hakeem Abdul Majeed when he was running a Unani medicine shop, Hamdard, in Delhi. This sherbet is made from a mixture of Portulaca seeds, chicory, grapes, coriander, and other fragrant herbs.

Partition of India and Rooh Afza During the partition, Hakeem Abdul Majeed’s elder son stayed in Delhi, while the younger son moved to Pakistan and started the Hamdard business there. Today, Rooh Afza is extremely popular in both India and Pakistan and is a must-have during Iftar, served alongside dates, samosas, and biryani.

Packaging of Rooh Afza Initially, Rooh Afza was sold in used wine bottles. Later, specially designed 750ml white glass bottles, called ‘pole bottles’, were introduced. The sherbet was wrapped in butter-paper for sale.

The Meaning and History of Rooh Afza’s Name The name ‘Rooh Afza’ was taken from the book Gulzar-e-Nasim, which was published in 1254. In this book, ‘Rooh Afza’ was the name of the daughter of the king of Firdaus (Heaven). In Pakistan, it is referred to as ‘Summer Drink of the East’.

New Versions of Rooh Afza Hamdard has introduced a carbonated drink named Rooh Afza Go. This sherbet was originally created to prevent heat strokes and dehydration. In Urdu, its meaning is ‘one that refreshes the soul’.

The Versatility of Rooh Afza It is not just a sherbet; it is also used in cheesecakes, phirni, custards, milkshakes, ice creams, and even aloo chaat.

The Iconic Design of Rooh Afza The famous bottle design was created by Mirza Noor Ahmad and printed by Bolton Press of Bombay.

The Popularity of Rooh Afza Recently, there was a shortage in production, but Hamdard Laboratories has announced that production will resume. Rooh Afza will always remain a drink that connects memories and families during festive times.