Janmashtami 2025: 10 Traditional Dishes You Must Savour During The Festival

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Makhan Mishri

This is supposedly the Hindu deity Krishna's favourite treat. It is made from fresh white butter (makhan) and sugar crystals (mishri), symbolising his love for dairy products.

A serving of makhan mishri | Shutterstock

Panjiri

A nutrient-rich offering, panjiri is made from whole wheat flour, ghee (clarified butter), sugar and a mix of dried fruits. It's delicious and offered as prasad to Krishna.

Panjiri is made from whole wheat flour, clarified butter, sugar and a mix of dried fruits | Shutterstock

Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana khichdi is a dish made from tapioca pearls, peanuts and mild spices, often enjoyed during fasting periods for its light yet flavourful qualities.

A bowl of sabudana khichdi | Shutterstock

Kheer

Kheer is a creamy rice pudding made with milk, rice, sugar, cardamom, saffron and nuts. It's a must-have for Indian festivals like Janmashtami due to its rich, creamy texture and aromatic flavours.

Kheer prepared for Janmashtami | Shutterstock

Malpua

Malpua are sweet pancakes made from flour, milk and sugar and deep-fried to golden perfection. They are often soaked in sugar syrup and garnished with nuts, making them an irresistible treat.

Malpua is a sweet pancake | Shutterstock

Gopalkala

Gopalkala is a savoury dish made from flattened rice (poha), curd, cucumber, coconut and spices. It is often referred to as dahi-poha and is a delicious Janmashtami dish.

Gopalkala is a savoury dish made during Janmashtami | Shutterstock

Ladoo

Ladoos are round sweets that come in various forms, such as besan, coconut and boondi. They are a versatile treat with unique flavours and textures, enjoyed by all ages.

A plate of ladoos | Shutterstock

Peda

Pedas are soft, melt-in-the-mouth sweets made from khoya (evaporated milk solids) and flavoured with cardamom. They are often shaped into small discs and garnished with pistachios or saffron.

An assortment of pedas | Shutterstock

Charnamrit

Charnamrit is a sacred drink made from milk, curd, honey, ghee and tulsi leaves (holy basil). It's offered to Krishna and distributed among devotees as a holy prasad. The combination creates a unique and refreshing flavour.

Charnamrit has a refreshing flavour | food_hauls/Instagram

Singhare Ki Puri

Singhare ki puri is made from water chestnut flour and paired with aloo sabzi. It's popular during the Janmashtami fast due to its light, crispy texture.

Singhare ki puri served on a plate | foodies._.circle_/Instagram

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A man breaks a clay pot during a dahi handi event in Mumbai | Shutterstock
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