A significant Hindu festival, Janmasthami is celebrated across India. Each region has their own traditional ritual that is practised on this occasion. Fasting is a significant aspect of Janmashtami and it reflects devotion and self-discipline. Devotees typically observe a fast throughout the day, abstaining from food and water or eating only specific fasting-friendly foods. The fast is intended to purify the mind and body, deepen spiritual connection, and honour Lord Krishna.
Video Credit: Kiran's Cuisine Kitchen
Apart from the fast there is also a focus on spiritual practices, including reading the Bhagavad Gita, singing devotional songs, and participating in temple activities. As the day progresses towards midnight, the time of Krishna's birth, the fast is broken with special dishes prepared for this occasion. Breaking the fast after such a devoted period is a moment of both spiritual and physical relief, and the dishes chosen for this occasion are particularly special.
They are carefully chosen for their ability to nourish the body and satisfy the palate after a day of fasting. They are often simple, sattvic (pure), and prepared with ingredients allowed during fasting These dishes are often made with ingredients permitted during fasting, such as fruits, dairy, and specific grains like sabudana (tapioca pearls) or kuttu (buckwheat flour).They are not only delicious but also hold cultural and spiritual significance. If you are fasting for Janmashtami, here are some simple and nourishing dishes to make.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a quintessential fasting dish made from tapioca pearls, which are soaked until they soften. The soaked pearls are then cooked with boiled potatoes, crushed peanuts, cumin seeds, and mild spices, making it a light yet satisfying dish. The peanuts add a crunchy texture and protein, while the potatoes provide a starchy, comforting base. The dish is typically garnished with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice, adding a fresh, tangy finish. This dish is not only filling but also easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for breaking a fast.
Panjiri
Panjiri is a traditional North Indian sweet that is often made as prashad during Janmashtami. It’s made from roasted whole wheat flour (atta), ghee, sugar, and a mix of nuts and edible gum (gond). Panjiri is not just delicious but also incredibly nutritious, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are essential after a long day of fasting. The ghee and nuts make it rich and filling, while the sugar gives it a quick energy boost. Its crumbly texture and sweet flavour are both comforting and satisfying.
Kuttu Ki Puri
Kuttu Ki Puri is a deep-fried bread made from buckwheat flour, a grain commonly consumed during fasts. Buckwheat is gluten-free and rich in fibre and essential nutrients, making these puris a healthy option for those breaking their fast. The dough is typically seasoned with rock salt and sometimes with mashed boiled potatoes to add softness and flavour. These puris are usually served with a simple, Aloo Ki Sabzi, a spiced potato curry made without onion and garlic, adhering to the fasting rules. The combination of crispy puris and a mildly spiced curry is delicious.
Singhare Ke Atte Ka Halwa
Singhare Ke Atte Ka Halwa is a popular fasting sweet made from water chestnut flour (singhara atta). The flour is roasted in ghee until it turns golden brown and fragrant, then cooked with sugar and water to form a thick, rich halwa. The dish is often garnished with nuts and flavoured with cardamom. It is particularly enjoyed for its smooth texture and the warmth of the ghee, making it a comforting dish to break the fast with.
Rajgira Paratha
Rajgira, or amaranth flour, is another gluten-free grain that is commonly used during fasting. Rajgira Paratha is a flatbread made from this flour, which is mixed with boiled potatoes, rock salt, and spices to form a dough. The dough is then rolled out into small discs and cooked on a griddle with a little ghee. Rajgira Paratha is soft, slightly chewy, and has a distinct nutty flavour. It’s often served with a bowl of curd or a simple vegetable curry.
Sabudana Kheer
Kheer, or sweet pudding, is a staple in Indian cuisine, and during fasting. Sabudana Kheer is usually a popular choice. Sabudana is cooked in milk until it turns soft and translucent, then sweetened with sugar and flavoured with cardamom. The kheer is garnished with nuts such as almonds and cashews, adding a delightful crunch. Sabudana Kheer is creamy, mildly sweet, and incredibly soothing, making it a perfect dessert or even a light meal after a day of fasting.
Makhana Curry
Makhana, or foxnuts, are often used in fasting recipes. Makhana Curry is a rich, creamy dish where foxnuts are cooked in a yoghurt-based gravy, seasoned with fasting-approved spices like cumin and rock salt. The fox nuts absorb the flavours of the gravy while retaining their slight crunch, creating a dish that is both satisfying and flavourful. Makhana Curry is typically served with buckwheat puris or rajgira paratha, making it a complete meal for breaking the fast.
Fruit Chaat
For a lighter, more refreshing option, Fruit Chaat is an excellent choice. This dish is made with a mix of fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, pomegranate, and grapes, tossed with rock salt, lemon juice, and sometimes a sprinkle of fasting-friendly spices like roasted cumin powder. Fruit Chaat is hydrating and provides natural sugars, which are essential after a day of fasting. It’s also easy on the stomach, making it a gentle way to break the fast.
Lauki Ka Halwa
Lauki, or bottle gourd, is a versatile vegetable that can be used in various fasting recipes. Lauki Ka Halwa is a sweet dish made by grating lauki and cooking it in milk with sugar and ghee. The lauki gives the halwa a soft texture, while the milk and ghee make it rich and satisfying.