Janmashtami Food

Janmashtami food is prepared to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered gods of the Hindus. Milk and its products are an integral part of the Janmashtami menu, especially because Lord Krishna is very fond of them. Rice flakes kheer (rice and milk pudding) is the traditional janmashtami food prepared in almost every Hindu household.

The traditional Janmashtami dishes are prepared from milk and milk products. Rice flakes kheer, shrikhand (a preparation of curd and sugar), Khichidi (a preparation of rice and chana dal), milk poli, besan ka laddu, kalakand (preparation of milk and sugar), Gopalkala (preparation of rice and coconut) are some of the most savored Janmashtami dishes. 
 
 
Significance of Janmashtami Food
The essence of preparing sweet janmashtami dishes, especially rice flakes kheer, believed to be Kanha’s(Lord Krishna's) favorite sweet dish, is to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday with his devotees. 
 
 

Serving Janmasthami Food
Janmashtami dishes, especially sweets, are essentially prepared right at dawnbreak. Some portion of the food is first offered to the Lord, as a means of wishing Krishna, and then is distributed among the family members. The Janmashtami food is preferably savored as the first food of the day.