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The month of August brings with it a host of festivities - from Teej and Raksha Bandhan to Janmashtami. One of the most-awaited festivals in the country, Janmashtami is just around the corner. This year, it falls on August 19. Also known as Krishna Janmashtami and Gokulashtami, people celebrate the day to mark the birth of Lord Krishna - the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. For the unversed, ‘janm’ stands for birth and ‘ashtami’ for the eighth day of the month. Every year, this festival falls on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in Shraavana, according to the Hindu calendar.
Janmashtami is celebrated with fervour in Hindu households and devotees also throng the temples to worship Lord Krishna, sing, and dance to devotional tunes. People also arrange pujas at their homes, besides observing the ritualistic vrat and preparing ‘Chappan Bhog’ for Lord Krishna. It is a special prasad prepared for Lord Krishna that consists of 56 vegetarian sweet and savoury food items, out of which most of the dishes are of the devotees’ choice. However, one prasad remains common in every bhog - the Makhan Mishri, which is said to be Lord Krishna’s favourite.
Food, just like at every other Indian festival, has an important role to play during Janmashtami. Many people arrange a special festive meal on Janmashtami. If you too are planning for a full-course meal, but are confused about what to include in it, fret not. We have a special festive vegetarian menu to help you out.
Starters
Paneer Kofta
This can be an ideal addition to your vrat menu too. All you need to do is prepare simple dough with paneer, potato, cornflour, and a handful of spices to fry them into crispy kofta balls. A fuss-free dish that is perfect for your full-course meal this Janmashtami.
Potato Peanut Tikki
This recipe includes leftover jeera aloo, but you can use fresh potatoes and simply toss it with spices including cumin, garam masala, and chaat masala, and add a healthy and crunchy spin of peanuts.
Main Course
Kadai Paneer
Well, for vegetarians, paneer is one of the most popular food items and lucky we are that it is so versatile. This kadai paneer recipe is a wholesome meal with paneer chunks cooked into a pool of traditional and aromatic spices. You can pair this with roti or naan for a complete meal.
Mix Veg
This super delicious and healthy mix of veggies - including cabbage, tomato, onion, and capsicum. Along with these, add spices such as peppercorns, cumin, fenugreek, and mustard. It is a hearty dish you won’t be able to resist. The addition to cashews gives it a smooth texture.
Matar Pulao
Loaded with green peas along with other spices, this wholesome rice dish will help you break the monotony of regular steamed rice, and also does not compromise on the nutrients.
Desserts
Rice Kheer
Kheer is the ultimate crowd-pleaser during Indian festivities. A pudding prepared with rice and milk, this desi dessert is luscious and creamy, and is easily one of the most loved.
