Gokulashtami, Janmashtami, or Sri Krishna Jayanti commemorates Lord Krishna’s birthday. It is observed all over India on the eighth day of Shravana’s dark fortnight. Janmashtami is celebrated by Hindus by fasting, singing, praying together, and sharing special food.
Along with praying to Lord Krishna, people dress up and decorate their homes for the occasion. Lord Krishna, is one of the most affable and amiable gods. His tales of charm and mischiefs make him humanlike and thus relatable.
On Janmashtami, many people prepare a special festive meal for their beloved god. But as the legend goes, Lord Krishna spent most of his time among common men. Playing and eating with the children of herdsmen.
Even his favourite food was buttermilk. So why fuss around the Janmashtami menu anyway? Our ‘friend’ Lord Krishna upheld the idea of joy in little things and that’s what we must remember and celebrate on his birthday.
We have curated special and healthy meal ideas for you to enjoy this festival to its fullest without having to worry about your health.
Gopalkala
Gopalkala, is a delicious dish, with a heartwarming tale from Shri Krishna’s life that goes with it. The Puranas state that Krishna would eat lunch with his cowherd buddies after grazing cattle, during which he would combine all the available food into a mixture known as “Kala”.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown rice flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh plain curd
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped apple
- 1/4 cup pomegranate
- 1 finely chopped green chilli
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
- 1 tbsp jaggery powder
- Salt to taste
Method
- Step 1: Soak the brown rice flakes in water for five minutes.
- Step 2: Drain out the water and set the brown rice flakes aside.
- Step 3: Add salt and jaggery powder to the curd and mix well.
- Step 4: Add the brown rice flaxes to the curd
- Step 5: Include the cucumber, apple, pomegranate, and chopped green chilli and mix well.
- Step 6: Add coriander leaves as a garnish and serve right away.
Til and Dates laddoo
Rather than obsessing over the very famous motichoor ladoos, why not try something different this Janmashtami? Nutritious, a little unconventional, and a lot tastier.
Though this has been a traditional recipe in some parts of India, it is getting lost between yoghurts and fruit salads. Let’s make til and dates ladoos and relish this delicious treat.
Ingredients
- Dates – 2 cups pitted
- Til or Sesame seeds – 1/3 cup
- Cardamom powder – 1 tsp
Method
- Step 1: Dry roast the sesame seeds in a pan for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Allow the roasted sesame seeds to cool.
- Step 3: Pulse the seeds in a blender to create a coarse powder.
- Step 5: Add the dates and cardamom powder at this point and thoroughly pulse to combine all the ingredients.
- Step 6: Create lemon-sized balls, then serve.
Makhana Chiwda
A delightful snack that you may enjoy at tea time or at other times of the day like a side bite during your lunch is makhana chiwda. It is a low-fat, healthy, and gluten-free snack and can also be served on festive days. Therefore, this dish will make an excellent go-to snack for unexpected house guests and your loved ones throughout this Janmashtami.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw makhana/fox nuts
- 2 teaspoons ghee
- ½ tbsp cumin seed
- 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chaat masala powder
- 1 curry leaf spring
- 1 green chilli slit
- 16g peanuts
- Salt to taste
Method
- Step 1: Heat ghee in a pan.
- Step 2: Add the cumin seeds and watch them start to pop.
- Step 3: Include the curry leaves and chilli.
- Step 4: Add the salt, makhana, chilli powder, and turmeric powder.
- Step 5: Combine thoroughly.
- Step 6: Roast the makhana over a low flame for 5 to 10 minutes,
- Step 7: Serve
To a Healthifying Janmashtami!
Janmashtami and food have a deep connection, which can be seen every year on this auspicious day. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep in mind that it’s very important to continue eating a healthy diet even after a full day of bingeing on festive food. Well, now with the aforementioned healthy recipes in this article, you can make your diet healthier for you and your family.
Celebrate Lord Krishna while Celebrating your Health!
