Janmashtami Fasting Rules: Janmashtami 2023: Food rules to follow while fasting | – Times of India

The vibrant and auspicious festival of Janmashtami is here. The day marks the birthday of Lord Krishna, and on this day devotees observe a fast for 24 hours and then, after offering prayer to Lord Krishna at midnight, and break the fast with the Chhapan Bhog (56 dishes) prepared for the deity, which mainly includes panjiri, makhana paag, charnamrit, maakhan mishri, tulsi leaves, and gopalkala. According to the Hindu calendar, Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha, or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 6 and 7, and the muhurat for puja is from 12.04 am to 12.48 am on September 6. Here are some food rules that you may follow while fasting to bring happiness and prosperity and also keep your body healthy.
Dos:
Eat fresh fruits
As per experts, to keep the body energized, it is recommended to eat fresh fruits or even dry fruits. Fruits like apples, blackberries, bananas, grapes, walnuts, almonds, and dates can be consumed, which will keep you active and boost immunity as well.
Donate food
On this day, donating food and water is considered a noble act. And when you are observing a fast, it is suggested that you donate food to the needy. It is believed that the act of donating brings happiness and prosperity. Also, during the Janmashtami fast, feeding the cows is considered noble, as cows are very close to Lord Krishna.

Consume milk and curd
This festival is incomplete without milk and curd. While fasting, you may indulge in shakes made with fresh fruits, or you may drink sweet lassi or salty lassi made with curd and sendha namak.
Savoury snack
In many regions, people observe the nirjala fast (avoid food and water) on Janmashtami, while others eat vrat ka khana. If you follow the latter, you may indulge in sabudana papad, sabudana khichdi, kuttu paratha, or samak rice cooked in desi ghee and sendha namak to keep the body healthy and energized.

Don’ts:
Avoid meat and eggs
While observing a fast, the consumption of meat and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited.
Avoid onions and garlic
On this day, people avoid eating and cooking onions and garlic. Also, the feast or bhog prepared for the Janmashtami festival doesn’t use onion or garlic.
Avoid tea or coffee
As per experts, one should avoid indulging in tea and coffee, as they create acidity and may cause uneasiness, heaviness, and headaches while fasting.
Avoid alcohol
On this day, people also avoid consuming alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes.
Avoid oily food
It is also suggested to avoid oily foods to keep the gut healthy and avoid laziness.
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