About Varakh

Almost everyone loves sweets that have silver foil on them. The mass appeal of varakh has a stranglehold on peoples' minds, increasing the demand for it and thereby its supply.

Silver foil, or varakh, as it is generally known in India, adds glitter to Indian sweets, supari, paan, and fruits. It is also used in Ayurvedic medicines and on deities in many Jain temples. The silver-topped sweet is even served as 'prasad' in temples and on auspicious and religious as well as family and social occasions. Varakh is used in flavored syrups as in kesar (saffron) syrup, and also finds use in cosmetics.

Have you ever wondered how the varakh on your sweets is manufactured?

Is the varakh (silver foil) used in many Jain temples on the idols, in religious ceremonies and on your favourite sweetmeats truly vegetarian?

The truth is, if people know the source and method of making it, most of them would never eat those silver-coated goodies again.

Pure Vegetarian? Or Unknowingly Non-Vegetarian?
If you look beyond the glitter of varakh, into the sheds where it is produced, and at the lives that are sacrificed to make this possible, you would think twice before buying that box of sweets topped with the precious silver foil!

Just how is varakh made and what is it that makes its preparation and consumption so sinful?
“Varakh is not derived from animal sources. However, a crucial material of animal origin, ox-gut, is used in its manufacture.
This ox-gut is obtained from slaughterhouses.

In the by-lanes of the villages of Ahmedabad (Gujarat state, India) and other cities, amidst filthy surroundings, placed between layers of ox-gut, small thin strips of silver are hammered to produce the glittering foil.” (Source: www.jainworld.com)
So much for pure vegetarianism.