During Janmashtami fasting, devotees follow specific dietary restrictions and consume foods that are light, sattvic (pure), and avoid grains, pulses, and regular salt. Here is what you can eat during the Janmashtami fast:
- Fruits: Bananas, apples, pomegranates, papayas, grapes, oranges, and melons are commonly consumed. They provide natural sugars, vitamins, and hydration
- Dairy products: Milk, curd (yogurt), paneer (cottage cheese), lassi, and buttermilk are integral to the fast and provide protein and calcium. These are also Lord Krishna's favorite foods
- Non-grain flours: Buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), amaranth flour (rajgira ka atta), and water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta) are used to make rotis, puris, halwa, and other fasting dishes. These flours are gluten-free and nutritious alternatives to regular grains
- Vegetables: Certain root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and bottle gourd are allowed and can be cooked with minimal spices and rock salt
- Sabudana (tapioca pearls): Often used in khichdi or snacks, sabudana is a good source of carbohydrates and energy during fasting
- Makhana (fox nuts): Low in calories and rich in protein and fiber, makhana is a popular fasting snack
- Dry fruits and nuts: Almonds, cashews, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and energy to sustain the fast
- Rock salt (sendha namak): Used instead of regular table salt to maintain the purity of the fast
Foods to avoid during Janmashtami fasting include grains (wheat, rice, barley, maize), pulses (lentils, beans), regular salt, onions, garlic, tamasic foods (meat, eggs, alcohol), and heavy spices
. There are different types of fasting observed:
- Nirjala fast: No food or water is consumed until midnight, when the fast is broken after prayers
- Phalahar fast: Allows consumption of fruits, milk, and water, avoiding grains and certain vegetables
In summary, Janmashtami fasting emphasizes fruits, dairy, non-grain flours, select vegetables, nuts, and rock salt, while avoiding grains, pulses, and tamasic foods to maintain spiritual purity and devotion
