As the auspicious festival of Janmashtami approaches, homes across India begin to sparkle with devotion, joy, and anticipation. Celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, this festival is not only about rituals and festivities but also about celebrating the deep cultural and culinary traditions associated with the deity. Known for his love for dairy, especially butter, milk, and ghee. Lord Krishna's favourites inspire the prasad offerings and delicacies prepared during this time.
“Food plays a central role in the celebration of Janmashtami, with prasad that reflects purity, nourishment, and devotion. While indulging in festive treats, it’s important to choose offerings that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Milk, ghee, and paneer-based dishes are deeply rooted in tradition and offer numerous health benefits, making them perfect for this occasion,” shares Akshali Shah, Executive Director, Parag Milk Foods Ltd.
Why Milk, Ghee & Paneer-Based Foods Are Ideal for Janmashtami
Dairy has long been associated with divinity in Indian culture, especially in connection with Lord Krishna. Ingredients like milk, ghee, curd and paneer not only hold spiritual significance but also provide essential nutrients such as calcium, healthy fats, protein, and vital vitamins.
- Milk strengthens bones, supports immunity, and provides energy.
- Ghee is rich in healthy fats that aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption.
- Paneer is an excellent source of protein and supports muscle development and satiety.
Including these ingredients in your festive special recipes ensures that prasad is both soul-nourishing and body-nourishing.
Janmashtami 2025: Top 5 Dairy-Based Prasad Ideas for
Here are five foods listed by Akshali Shah that you can prepare this Janmashtami:
1. Makhan Mishri
One of the most iconic offerings to Lord Krishna, Makhan Mishri is a simple yet divine preparation of freshly churned butter mixed with rock sugar. Rich in healthy fats and quick energy, this dish is not only spiritually symbolic but also easy to digest and great for boosting stamina during fasting.
Also Read: What To Eat And Avoid While Janmashtami Fasting
2. Paneer Sandesh
A light, protein-rich sweet made from fresh paneer (chhena) and lightly sweetened with jaggery or sugar. “Sandesh is low in fat and easy on the stomach, making it ideal for festive indulgence. Its soft texture and mild sweetness make it a favourite among kids and adults alike,” shares Akshali.
3. Milk-based Panjiri
Made with roasted whole wheat flour, ghee, dry fruits and milk solids, panjiri is a nutrient-dense prasad offering often distributed during Janmashtami. High in energy, fiber, and essential nutrients, it helps restore vitality after fasting and supports digestion with its warming spices like cardamom and dry ginger.
Also Read: Janmashtami Vrat: Stay Hydrated With These 7 Healthy Drinks During Fast
4. Ghee-Roasted Mewa Laddoo
A classic festival sweet, mewa laddoos made from nuts, ghee, jaggery and a dash of cardamom, are wholesome and energising.
According to Akshali, “Ghee enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the dry fruits, making this sweet both indulgent and health-boosting.”
5. Rabdi
Rabdi is a rich, creamy dessert made by slow-cooking full-fat milk until it thickens, then sweetened with sugar and flavoured with cardamom and saffron. It is garnished with chopped dry fruits like almonds and pistachios. Rabdi is an indulgent yet nourishing treat, high in calcium, protein, and healthy fats. Traditionally served chilled, it makes for a delightful prasad that combines the goodness of milk with the essence of celebration.
Conclusion
Janmashtami is a time to reflect on the teachings of Lord Krishna, celebrate his joyful spirit, and immerse in devotion with family and community. By preparing milk, ghee, and paneer-based prasad, we not only honour his love for dairy but also make health-conscious choices that keep us energised during the festivities.