Janmashtami fasting is a much-loved practice that enables Lord Krishna devotees to come closer to the Almighty through commitment and discipline. To make this sacred occasion even more special, decaying the subtleties of Janmashtami fasting is essential.
In this blog post, I have covered a specific Janmashtami fasting guide and a highly palatable Janmashtami fasting recipe to make your Janmashtami fulfilling and flourishing.
The Significance of Janmashtami Upvas
Janmashtami upvas, or fasting, is more than simply not having food for the entire day. It is a ritual performed to purify the body and mind. Although local customs might differ, the main crux remains the same: a depiction of devotion and self-control.
Six Foods to Eat During Janmashtami Fasting
Here’s a list of foods that you should eat during Janmashtami fasting:
Fruits and Nuts
Fruits and nuts are excellent choices for people who religiously follow the Janmashtami fast rules. I recommend apples, bananas, and oranges for fruits, as they keep you moisturized and vitalized.
Walnuts, almonds, and cashews are good nuts to choose from. They are great for nibbling and contain many healthy fats to keep your body energy-rich during Janmashtami fasting.
Dairy Products
I suggest you consume yogurt, paneer, milk, and buttermilk during Janmashtami fasting. These foods fill your stomach and provide essential nutrients, including protein and calcium.
Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls)
Sabuda is the hot-favorite Janmashtami fasting recipe because it is light and easy to digest. I suggest you eat sabudana vada, sabudana kheer, or even sabudana khichdi to fill your stomach during Janmashtami upvas.
Buckwheat Flour (Kuttu ka Atta)
Did you know that buckwheat flour is gluten-free? Yes, it is…This particular property of kuttu ka atta makes it the primary ingredient in kitchens where fasting rituals are followed. Its richness in fiber makes it healthy for your body.
You can use it to make appetizing puris or rotis with aloo curry.
Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are root vegetables that can quickly fill your stomach. You can prepare them in several ways. Try making boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even curried potatoes.
Rajgira (Amaranth)
Rajgira is one of the most nourishing cereals, making it ideal for Janmashtami upvas. You can use Amaranth to make chapatis or as a foundation to prepare healthy kheer.
Six Foods That You Should Steer Clear of During Janmashtami Upvas
Avoid dating these foods during Janmashtami upvas:
Grains
Rice and wheat must be avoided during Janmashtami fasting. Instead, you can eat Amaranth and pseudo-grains like buckwheat.
Pulses and Lentils
Pulses and lentils are pretty heavy on the stomach; hence, they must be avoided to feel light during Janmashtami upvas.
Caffeinated Beverages
Avoid drinking beverages like tea and coffee, as both contain caffeine, which might result in a feeling of unrest and dryness of the throat. Instead, you can intake coconut water and herbal teas to stay hydrated.
Processed Foods
Try to avoid eating packaged and processed foods as much as possible. These foods contain flavor enhancers. I suggest you eat a freshly made meal at home, as it is healthy.
Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onion are known to enhance excitement and unease. Both are unsuitable for maintaining a peaceful mind, which is the need of the hour during Janmashtami upvas.
Spicy and Fried Foods
It is essential to avoid red hot and fatty foods to keep yourself healthy and fit during the Janmashtami fast.
Four Janmashtami Fasting Recipe Concepts to Try at Home
Let me now take you through some of the most popular Janmashtami fasting recipes you can prepare at home.
Sabudana Khichdi
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Sabudana
- 2, diced Potatoes
- 1/4th cup, roasted peanuts
- 2 chopped green chillies
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp ghee
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Dip the sabudana in water the entire previous night.
- The next day, take out a pan, warm ghee, and add green chilies, diced potatoes, and cumin seeds.
- Once the allu becomes soft, add peanuts, salt, and the soaked sabudana.
- Cook for a few minutes until the sabudana’s color becomes semi-transparent.
- Relish the palatable sabudana khichdi!
Kuttu ka Parantha
Ingredients:
- 1 Boiled and meshed potato
- Rock salt as per taste
- ½ or 1 spoon of oil
Instructions:
- 1. Assimilate kuttu flour with rock salt in a kitchen bowl. Integrate mashed potatoes with it using your fingertips.
- Next, pour some water simultaneously and start shaping the dough. It will come together with minimal fuss within seconds.
- Bifurcate it into eight equal parts and create small flattened balls using your palm.
- Use a Ziploc bag and cut the sides so that it opens. Place one ball of kuttu flour and keep it between the two layers of the bag.
- Roll the flour using a smooth action with a rolling pin. While rolling, keep the tawa hot and ensure that the bottom side of the flour gets cooked by keeping it for a few seconds.
- After you see the brown specks at the bottom, flip the side to cook the opposite part. Smear oil on this.
- Use a spatula to flip and cook by pressing it softly. Repeat smearing oil and flip the side.
- Now, cook the remaining part by pressing until you can no longer see the doughy part. This makes the kuttu flour light brown. Do the same thing for the remaining dough balls.
- Serve it by adding yogurt-based dishes to get a highly palatable taste.
Rajgira Kheer
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Rajgira
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Instructions:
1. Stew rajgira in milk until it becomes soft.
2. Next, add cardamom, sugar, and crushed nuts.
3. Boil gently until the kheer becomes more concentrated.
4. Savor the mouth-watering Rajgira Kheer!
Potato and Peanut Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 boiled and diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 juiced lemon
- Salt to taste
- Mild seasoning to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes until fork tender.
- Next, blend them with chopped cilantro, roasted peanuts, and a dash of lemon.
- Add mild spices and salt, and relish the revitalizing Potato and Peanut Salad!
Read also: Janmashtami Treats: Authentic Bhog Prasad and Dhaniya Panjiri Recipes
Suggestions for Having a Hearty Janmashtami Upvas
Here are some suggestions that will help you have a hearty Janmashtami Upvas:
Keep Yourself Hydrated
While adhering to Janmashtami fast rules is wonderful, remember to drink lots of coconut water, fresh fruit juices, and freshwater during the day. Moisturizing yourself is vital to maintaining your stamina and avoiding losing total body water.
Have Small, Frequent Meals
Rather than relishing a single large meal, have small, frequent meals to revitalize your energy levels and avoid overindulging yourself.
Include Superfoods in your Fasting Meals
During Janmashtami fasting, add superfoods, including flaxseeds, moringa, and chia seeds. These superfoods contain many nutrients that keep you recharged and in good shape throughout the upvas.
Make Use of Rock Salt and Not Regular Salt in Your Janmashtami Recipes
Sendha namak, popularly called rock salt, is widely used during upwas as it is perceived as unadulterated and helps in the absorption of food. It assists in balancing electrolytes and provides essential minerals required by the body during the Janmashtami fast.
Make this Janmashtami Festival More Special and Healthy
By following the Janmashtami fasting guide, you can get closer to your spiritual fulfillment. Remember that mindful food choices, including the Janmashtami fasting recipe discussed above, will help you have a memorable and enriching fasting experience.
At the end of the day, it is all about maintaining your balance and mindfulness. Once you try preparing any of the fasting recipes I have mentioned above, let me know your overall experience with Janmashtami Upvas. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section!
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