Janmashtami festival is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna to commemorate his birth ceremony. This day falls on the eighth day (Ashtami of Krishna Paksh) of a lunar fortnight i.e. eighth day after the festival of Raksha Bandhan. This day corresponds to the August and September months on the Gregorian calendar. The celebration goes on for two days. The first day is Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami. The second day is called Kalashtami or more popularly Janmashtami. At midnight between the first and second day the birth of Lord Krishna is replicated with pomp and ceremony. The most popular ceremony of Dahi-handi (breaking a pot full of milk and its derivatives) takes place on the second day.

Lord Krishna is welcomed by offering umpteen varieties of scrumptious sweet dishes are prepared from milk and curds that Krishna loved. Most families keep a fast on this day, but one meal is allowed. This is known as phalhar, which consists of fruits, mithai, curd, singhare ki puri. Generally the devotees prepare those food items which are considered to be the favorite of Lord Krishna. At the midnight all these scrumptious items are placed in front of Lord Krishna and this called as the ritual of ‘bhog’. Later all these scrumptious items are distributed amongst his devotees as ‘Prasada’. Scroll down if you want to explore more about the recipes prepared on the day of Janmashtami.

Kheer
Janmashtami is observed with great fervor throughout the country. Apart from various rituals and customs, on the birthday of Lord Krishna, all his devotees prepare various kinds of sweets and dairy products to welcome him. One of the most commonly prepared dairy products on this day is the kheer.

Shrikhand
Janmashtami is celebrated with fun and fervor by Hindus all over India. The birth of Lord Krishna, one of the favorite deities of people following Hinduism, is marked by a number of colorful rituals. Cultural programs depicting the birth of Lord Krishna are organized by various committees.

Gopalkala
On the occasion of Janmashtami (the birthday of Lord Krishna), the devotees of Krishna prepare every favorite dish of the Lord. Then on the midnight of Janmashtami, these scrumptious dishes are offered to Lord Krishna in order to welcome him on the earth. These include varieties of sweets and dairy products.

Kalakand
On the occasion of Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday), the devotees of Lord Krisha prepare umpteen number of scrumptious recipes. Most of these recipes are generally sweets and dairy items. It is because Lord Krishna relished on the dairy products. These sumptuous foods are then offered to Lord Krishna on the midnight celebrations of the festival.

Murukku
The day, when Lord Krishna was born, is celebrated as Janmashtami. One of the most prominent festivals of Hinduism, Janmashtami falls on the Ashtami of Sravana or Savana month. On the day, women in the Indian households prepare sweet as well as spicy delicacies, to celebrate the birth of the deity of innocence.

Peda
Janmashtami is celebrated with religious observance by Hindus all over India. Special puja is conducted on the day, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. Though the rituals of Janmashtami followed are almost the same, people have different perception in different regions, when it comes to food.

Singhare Ke Puri
India is a land of myriad colorful festivals. Janmashtami is one such festival celebrated by Hindus across the length and breadth of the country. Lip smacking dishes are savored on the glorious occasion of the birth of the Lord Krishna. Singhare Ki Puri is one of the favorites of people living in northern parts of India.