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According to ancient scriptures and lore, the mighty Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day or 'Ashtami' of the holy month, Shravana or Bhadrapad, as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar. This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on 30 August, 2021. On this day devotees throng the temples to offer their prayers and offerings to Lord Krishna. There is also a common ritual in many Hindu households, of bathing Nand Gopal or Bal Gopal (idol of baby Krishna) with milk, honey, kapur and water, and dressing him up in colourful clothes.
The worshippers spend this holy day by observing ritualistic fasts. On Janmashtami many Hindu devotees observe a day-long fast, which they break at midnight when the Ashtami Tithi is over. Through the entire day of fasting many chose not to include grain in their meals and consume meals which include fruits, milk and water, this kind of fasting is called Phallahar fasting. The fasting process also refrains from the use of regular salt, instead sendha namak (Himalayan salt) is seen as preferable. Many people often choose sabudana (tapioca pearls) as a viable option for their vrat preparations. Sabudana is a neutral flavoured tiny globule, which has the ability to absorb flavours from other ingredients. It is a versatile ingredient and is apt for any fasting food, it sits well in both savoury to sweet preparations. Here are some of the delicious and exciting sabudana recipes that you can try in this Janmashtami fast.
1. Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana khichdi is a hearty meal. This light yet yummy dish is cooked with sabudana, peanuts, green chillies, sendha namak (rock salt) and ghee, sometimes diced potatoes are also tossed in the recipe. Sabudana khichdi is truly fulfilling and will keep you full for a long time.
2. Sabudana Thalipeeth
It is a scrumptious light bite, which is made with sabudana, mashed potatoes, ground peanuts and spices. The minimal use of ingredients ensures light, sattvik snacking.
3. Sabudana Vada
Sabudana fritter is a yummy snack which has all the elements to entice you to the core. This crispy fried patty is made with sabudana, green chillies, mashed potatoes, dry fruits and mild spices.
4. Sabudana Bhel
If you are craving chatpata then Sabudana Bhel is right up your alley. It is a tasty snack which is made with nylon sabudana, peanuts, cubed potatoes with a medley of spices. Sendha namak in this recipe adds a layer of flavour which will make your bhel more scrumptious.
5. Sabudana Dry Fruits Laddoo
Sabudana Dry Fruits Laddoo will satiate all your sweet cravings instantly. In this all you have to do is roast and grind sabudana to fine powder and with the help of ghee you have to roll them into small balls. The addition of crushed dry fruits will add a nutty flavour, that you will surely like to gorge upon.
6. Sabudana Kheer
Since the traditional recipe demands rice which is a grain, sabudana makes for a great substitute. Sabudana kheer is very easy to prepare and the recipe does not significantly vary from that of regular kheer. So, if you are looking for something creamy and luscious, this dessert is just made for you.
