One of the most awaited Festivals for the devotees of Lord Krishna, Janmashtami, is around the corner. At this festival devotees sing and dance to his devotional tunes, perform drama showcasing his life and prepare ‘Chappan Bhog’. This bhog consists of 56 vegetarian sweets and savory food items. Janmashtami is the festival of Krishna's birth and it is the occasion where the devotees perform fast. This fast is observed without eating grains and salt, which alludes it is free from Gluten. This Janmashtami has some fasting essentials in your kitchen cabinet that maintain your health and diet and provide essential nutrients. 

Here are some Food essentials you need this Janmashtami to stay fit and healthy- 

1. Dry Fruits

On Janmashtami, preparing sweets like Dhaniya Panjari, Makhana Paag, and boondi Ladoo is incomplete without Dry Fruits. Organic Dry fruits like Almonds, raisins, Walnuts, and Cashew augments the flavor and nutrients in sweets. Garnishing or amalgamating Dry Fruits, supply high amounts of antioxidants to our body, and enhance the intake of fiber and nutrition. Dry fruits are brimmed with profuse nutrition – Vitamin B, Minerals like copper, and phosphorus which enhance the regeneration of new blood cells and hemoglobin in the body. These healthy nuts also augment energy and build stamina.

2. Himalayan Rock Salt

When dishing up palatable sabudana khichdi or vada, kuttu Puri, pakode, roti, jeera aloo, and roasted makhana for fast, using rock salt is crucial. Rock salt is used in every fast because it keeps the body cool from within and low in sodium and high in potassium. It is free from chemical processes and maintains the level of electrolytes in your body. 

3. Organic Peanuts

Munching Roasted peanuts is a healthy and energetic option when you fast. Unsalted peanuts provide essential nutrients to your body during fasting which are supreme in protein, have good fat, and are low in carbs. Peanuts are legumes that are mostly eaten raw and roasted and are also called groundnuts and earthnuts. Peanuts are high in nutritional value, good for your heart, and best for weight loss; it also impedes the risk of heart disease. 

4. Buckwheat Flour

Buckwheat flour is also known as Kuttu ka atta which is widely used in fasting for making Roti, Paratha, puri, and Halwa which are palatable and healthy. It is Gluten-free and a good source of vegetarian protein. This flour is non-allergic and lessens blood sugar. Consuming buckwheat paratha or roti keeps you full for a longer period and is a good source of fiber. 

5. Desi Cow Ghee

Whether you are preparing any snack or dessert or sweet, Ghee is used in every dish. Desi ghee is an immunity booster & high in Protein which provides essential nutrients and a tempting aroma in your dish. Buying pure ghee not only enhances the taste but also protects your body against infection. 

6. Brown Sugar

In the festival of Janmashtami, preparing mouth-watering sweets like Mathura Peda, Panjiri, or coconut barfi for bhog, sugar is used in every sweet. Buying brown sugar augments the taste of sweets and desserts and provides essential nutrients. Brown sugar is loaded with Potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium and provides energy during fasting. 

During Janmashtami fasting, we cannot consume Multigrains and Wheat flour. There are special flours that are obtained from fruits and are used in fasting. Amaranth flour is gluten-free and provides high energy and essential nutrients. Preparing roti, pakode and Halwa keeps you full after a full day of fasting. It is high in fiber, protein, and micronutrients. 

Conclusion

Janmashtami is the festival of celebration and it is mainly celebrated with delicious and mouth-watering sweets and savory. In this blog, we have shared some healthy and pure food essentials which are generally used fast. These food products will provide essential nutrients and energy after a full day's fast.