10 Must-Try Krishna Janmashtami Foods for a Joyful Celebration

India has a stronghold on culture, and it seeps significantly into all religions and upholds people’s beliefs and values. As a vibrant nation, one of the festivals that lights up homes and temples and fills up kitchens with fragrant aromas is the arrival of Krishna Janmashtami. A joyous celebration commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, also considered Lord Vishnu’s eighth incarnation. Vishnu symbolizes good over evil in the Hindu Holy Trinity: Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. This day marks a mammoth of an event called “Dahi Handi”, where people form a human pyramid to reach the pot full of dahi suspended high in the air. The excitement, music, devotion and adrenaline surpass most things one has experienced before. Celebrated on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha, also known as a dark fortnight, in August or September(Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu calendar), Janmashtami highlights the mischievous and impactful childhood of Bal Gopal, adoringly known as “Krishna Leela”. Like every other festival, this day brings a wide range of Janmashtami special food like Panjiri, sweets made with butter, milk and ghee, all loved by baby Kanha, which people specially cook to offer during worship and some to savor themselves, as they fast on this auspicious day.

The Essence of Krishna Janmashtami:

Let’s look at the top Janmashtami special food dishes.

1. Chakli 

It is said to be one of Kanhaiya’s favorite savory snacks. Its spiral shape symbolizes the circle of life, a concept explained in the Bhagavad Gita. Chakli is made with besan(gram flour), rice flour, and several spices, giving it a distinct taste. Deep-fried to get that perfect orange color and crunch, Chakli is an irresistible Krishna Janmashtami special food.

2. Gopalkala 

Made with Balgopal’s favorite ingredients, like milk, curd, and butter, this prasad is used to fill the pot in the Dahi Handi celebration, a quintessential dish in Maharashtrian culture. The three dairy products are whisked together, to which puffed rice, flattened rice, cucumbers, coriander leaves, and some fruits like pomegranate, etc., are added. Finished with a tempering of ghee, hing, and ginger, Gopalkala holds great importance during puja and considered a notable Janmashtami food.

3. Sabudana Khichdi 

Sabudana Khichdi , a simple yet filling Krishna Janmashtami food, is made of Sago or Tapioca pearls. It is widely consumed by those who fast, as it is rich in carbohydrates and provides instant energy. Thisi recipe, which consists of boiled potatoes, peanuts, cumin seeds, green chilies, and spices, is not only tasty but also nutritious. The ingredients used in this dish are known for their health benefits, making it a perfect choice for those observing a fast.

4. Sama chawal Khichdi

Sama, also known as Barnyard millet, gives a healthy twist to the usual fried Janmashtami dishes. This porridge uses a few simple ingredients, like cumin seeds, which are tempered in ghee, to which some potatoes are added. Once slightly cooked, soaked sama is added along with edible rock salt and coriander leaves. It is a healthy and hearty meal for those frenzied yet festive days.

5. Singhara poori

Singhara atta, also known as Water Chestnut flour, is gluten-free to keep your health in check. Making these deep-fried and delicious pooris must be lengthy but requires just a few ingredients. You knead the flour with boiled potatoes, cumin, green chillies, oil, and sendha namak. Relish this Indian flatbread on special occasions.

6. Patraali

Invented to feed baby Krishna with proper nutrition, Janmashtami dishes must mention this delicious sabzi. Out of the many folklore depicting Kanha’s growing-up stages, some mention his mother’s efforts, where she finely chopped all the leafy vegetables, green vegetables, dry fruits, nuts, fruits, and pulses to make the Patrali Bhaji.

7. Rajgira Paratha

Used widely during fasting days, Rajgira or Amaranth flour is versatile and can be used to make paratha, chapati, poori, or kheer. Paratha is the wholesome choice since the rolled dough is roasted and cooked in a pan. The lack of gluten makes it hard to knead this dough, but there are different techniques that make it manageable.

8. Vrat ke Aloo

We are all familiar with this potato curry, which is made without onion or garlic. This makes Vrat ke Aloo ideal for religious days. Boiled potatoes cooked in tomatoes, cumin seeds, rock salt, and the usual spices, this sabzi can be consumed with any flatbread. It is even offered as one of the Janmashtami dishes in the famous Chappan Bhog. 

9. Kuttu ka Dosa

A dosa for which you don’t need any soaking, grinding or fermenting. Kuttu, known as Buckwheat Flour, makes instant dosas when you mix the flour with buttermilk, green chillies, salt and coriander leaves to make its batter. You may use any filling of your choice.

10. Kaddu ki Sabzi

Pumpkins protect your heart health and refuel your body. Rich in fiber and other vitamins, vrat food consists of Kaddu ki sabzi as an important part. Deseeded, chopped and boiled pumpkin is cooked with whole and ground spices. Enjoy this vegan Janmashtami food with Singhare ki poori.

Craving Janmashtami Special Foods? Order Now on Swiggy!

1. Download the Swiggy App. Available on Google Play or App Store.
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5. Proceed to Checkout. Review your order in the cart. Tap “Proceed to Checkout” to go to the payment screen.
6. Choose Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method. Swiggy accepts many payment options, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and cash on delivery (where available). Once everything looks good, tap the “Place Order” button to confirm your order. 

Conclusion

Festivals become a reason for families to get together, share meals, cook traditional dishes, and exchange love and laughter. Swiggy transports this goodness to your doorstep. Krishna Janmashtami lights up people’s devotion and reminds them of their spiritual path as they prepare to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. So order his favorite dishes online and enhance the festivities!

FAQ

1. What is Lord Krishna’s Favorite Food?

Makhan Mishri, Malai Peda, Gopalkala, Chakli, and anything made with milk, ghee, butter and curd.

2. Is it necessary to make food offerings to Lord Krishna during Janmashtami?

Yes, sattvic food (without onion or garlic) is bhog or prasad. It is one of the most important steps during any traditional Hindu puja.

3. Why is butter (makhan) considered Lord Krishna’s favorite food?

Baby Kanha, known as “Maakhan Chor”, loved the sweetness of butter that women churned for their households, which he would playfully steal and eat. Thus butter is an important Janmashtami food.