Janmashtami 2023: Nine important fasting rules you shouldn't forget

As the joyous festival of Lord Krishna's birth, Janmashtami, gets celebrated, devotees across the country observe fast, prayer, and celebration. This holy day, held on September 6 and 7, this year, is very important to Hindus. While it is a time for spiritual reflection, it is also a time to think about what to eat and avoid. We'll walk you through the dietary do's and don'ts that will not only make your Janmashtami celebration more meaningful, but will also keep you healthy.

Dos:
1. Eat Fresh Fruits: Experts advocate eating fresh fruits to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Apples, blackberries, bananas, grapes, walnuts, almonds, and dates are all good options. These fruits not only provide nutrition but also help to strengthen your immunity.


2. Donate Food: The festival of Janmashtami is a time for giving, and one of the most honorable deeds you can perform is to donate food and water to people in need. This simple act is thought to bring happiness and wealth. Furthermore, because of their special connection to Lord Krishna, feeding cows is considered auspicious.

3. Drink Milk and Curd: Milk and curd are essential components of Janmashtami celebrations. While fasting, you can drink fresh fruit smoothies, sweet lassi, or salty lassi made with curd and sendha namak (rock salt).

4. Savoury Snacks: Depending on your fasting style, you can choose between a nirjala fast (no food or water) and vrat ka khana (fasting-friendly cuisine). To keep your energy levels up, eat dishes like sabudana papad, sabudana khichdi, kuttu paratha, or samak rice cooked in desi ghee (clarified butter) with sendha namak.

Don'ts:

1. Avoid Meat and Eggs: It is of the utmost importance to avoid consuming meat and non-vegetarian meals during Janmashtami fasting.

2. Avoid Onions and Garlic: People also generally avoid including onions and garlic in their mails. These components are often not included in the festival's special feast or bhog.

3. Avoid Tea and Coffee: Experts also advise people against drinking tea or coffee during your fast because they might cause acidity and discomfort, potentially resulting in headaches or a heavy sensation.

4. Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes should be avoided on Janmashtami because they undermine the spiritual essence of the day.

5. Avoid Oily Foods: To maintain your digestive system and prevent sluggishness, avoid oily foods. Oily foods can impede digestion, perhaps causing health problems during fasting.

Finally, as you prepare to celebrate Janmashtami, following food rules can help you fast with devotion while also maintaining your health. You can assure a prosperous and healthy celebration of Lord Krishna's birthday by following these dos and don'ts.