One of the most popular festivals in the country, Janmashtami, falls on August 18, 2022, this year. Lord Krishna, who is said to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu on earth, was born on Janmashtami. 

Food and Janmashtami go hand in hand. It is well known that Lord Krishna enjoyed delicious food. Due to his particular liking for butter, he was also known as “makhan chor” (butter thief). For Lord Krishna, some devotees even make a unique “chappan bhog” made up of 56 different foods! At this time, a variety of sweets said to be Sri Krishna’s favourite can be found abundantly at the sweet shops of Mathura and Vrindawan. These sweets can also be made with great fervour at home. 

Here are some traditional sweets that are an intrinsic part of Janmashtami celebrations:

1. Peda

One of the most well-known gifts to Lord Krishna is peda. Pedas are best eaten while they are soft and fresh since they are made of fresh mawa, milk, sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder. Pedas have a subtle brown colour. On this day, devotees who fast frequently incorporate pedas in their post-fast meal.

2. Panchamrit/Charnamrit

Panchamrit, also known as charnamrit, is a sweet and milky dish made from “5 meals,” hence the name. In Sanskrit, “panch” signifies “five,” while “amrit” means “elixir.” It is produced by combining milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey, and liquid jaggery. The mixture is used to wash the feet of the statue of Lord Krishna, after which it is given to worshippers as prasad.

3. Dhaniya Panjiri

When you consider panjiri, you think of the comforting holiday delicacy made with whole wheat flour and almonds. In Northern India, particularly Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, Dhaniya panjri is a common dish cooked on Janmashtmi. Coriander seed powder, bhoora (powdered sugar), ghee, sliced almonds, raisins, cashew nuts, and mishri are the ingredients used to make it. Dhaniya panjiri is another typical component of a traditional “chappan bhog thali.”

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4. Kheer

Kheer and Indian festivities have been romantically linked for millennia. Whatever the event or celebration, kheer will undoubtedly make an appearance. The traditional holiday recipe calls for boiling rice with milk and sugar. Cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashews, pistachios, and almonds are used to flavour them.

5. Makkhan Mishri 

Numerous Hindu myths and stories were sparked by Little Krishna’s love of white butter. White butter is hence a common component of gifts presented to Lord Krishna. Another among them is Makkhan Mishri. This straightforward and delicious dessert, which is made with unsalted milk cream and some mishri daana, instantly improves your mood.