Janmashtami 2023: The significant festival of Janmashtami is celebrated in India with great joy and enthusiasm. Also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, it is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is known as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 7 across the country.

Lord Krishna is touted as the Supreme God and is worshipped for happiness, prosperity and well-being in the house. The celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami revolve around rituals including Dahi Handi, kite-flying, drawing footprints of infant Krishna, fasting, enjoying traditional sweet dishes and many more. People observe a whole-day-long fast and break the fast at midnight after the birth of Lord Krishna. Here is a list of foods that you can consume and should avoid while fasting on this auspicious Hindu festival.

Watch the video below to know the date and timings for Janmashtami 2023: 

Janmashtami 2023: Foods To Eat

Dairy Products

While fasting, one can consume several healthy foods to keep them satiated and prevent hunger. The celebrations of Janmashtami are incomplete without milk and curd. Therefore, one can consume milk, curd and other dairy products while fasting on Krishna Janmashtami.

Fresh Fruits

Fruits are ideal foods that one can consume during any religious fast. You can include fresh fruits such as watermelon, papaya, apples, bananas and others in your diet for fasting on Janmashtami.

Sabudana

You can also consume sabudana during the fast. One can prepare sabudana khichdi or kheer and enjoy it during Janmashtami festivities.

Vegetables

According to popular beliefs, you can also consume vegetables such as potato, sweet potato, raw banana, bottle gourd, cucumber, lemon, ginger and coriander. Dishes with these vegetables are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed during Janmashtami festivities.

Janmashtami 2023: Foods To Avoid

Janmashtami is a holy festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. One should abstain from consuming non-vegetarian foods such as meat, chicken, fish and others during the festivities. Also, avoid including onion and garlic in your food during Janmashtami as they are considered Tamasic in nature. Health experts suggest avoiding drinking coffee or tea as they are caffeinated drinks and may make you feel hungry or dehydrated more frequently.