Janmashtami, also called Gokulashtami or Krishna Jayanthi, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. In 2026, the main celebration falls on Friday, September 4 (Smarta households following the Nishita Kaal tradition observe it a day earlier, on September 3). At home, we do pooja and put together a full prasad thali for Krishna, then spend the evening on milk-based sweets and no-onion, no-garlic snacks to share with family.
This is my complete Janmashtami recipe collection, 45+ recipes in all, grouped into the five bhog (prasad) recipes that go on Krishna's thali, festive milk-based sweets, and savory vrat-friendly snacks. Click any recipe name to jump straight to it.
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What is Janmashtami Bhog?
Bhog is the food offering placed before Krishna during pooja, then shared with the family as prasad. Traditionally, five dishes go on the thali: Dhaniya Panjiri (a roasted coriander seed and dry-fruit mix), Makhan Mishri (fresh butter with rock sugar, a nod to Krishna's love of butter), Makhana Paag (a foxnut brittle), Panchamrita (a five-ingredient milk-based drink), and Meva Kheer (a dry-fruit pudding). All five can be made ahead, and none use onion or garlic, in keeping with the fasting many families observe on this day.
5 Bhog (Prasad) Recipes
In this post, I have compiled all the Krishna Jayanthi recipes, I have shared on my blog - Living Smart and Healthy. Click on the recipe name to see the recipe. I have organized the sweets and savory recipes.
Janmashtami 2026 Recipes!!
Dhaniya Panjiri
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coriander seeds
- ½ cup powdered sugar or misri
- 7-8 makhana (foxnuts)
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 8-10 almonds, slivered
- 8-10 whole cashews, chopped
- 10-12 pistachio, slivered
- 1 tablespoon melon seeds
- 5-6 green cardamom, seeds powdered
- 3 tablespoon ghee
- Few fresh Tulsi leaves (Holy Basil)
- Rose petals (optional)
Method:
- In a pan, slightly roast the coriander seeds for couple of minutes, so that they lose the moisture and are lightly fragrant.
- Cool completely and grind to a semi-course powder.
- Heat the ghee and lightly fry the dry fruits till golden. Remove from heat and add to the powdered coriander. Add the powdered sugar, cardamom powder, tulsi leaves, and rose petals.
- Mix well. Panjiri is now ready.
- Store it in an air-tight container, in a cool dry place. Dhaniya Panjiri stays good for up to a month.
Makhan Mishri
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 200g Fresh white butter
- 50 g mishri
Method:
- Mix the fresh white butter and the mishri. Refrigerate until served.
- To offer as prasad, make small laddu of the makhan mishri.
Makhana Paag
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 50 g makhana (foxnuts)
- 3 cups sugar or misri
- 50g dry coconut
- 1 tablespoon ghee
Method:
- Using mortar and pestle, break the makhanas into smaller pieces. Cut coconut into slices.
- Heat the ghee and lightly fry the coconut slices till golden. Remove immediately. Fry the makhanas in the remaining ghee till golden. Remove from heat.
- In a large pan, take 1 cup water and 3 cups sugar. Bring to a boil. Stir till the sugar is completely dissolved. Boil for 5-6 minutes or till the syrup starts foaming and you have a syrup of 2-string consistency ready.
- Add in the fried makhana and coconut and stir continuously till the mixture turns frothy.
- Optional: You can add dry fruits of your choice - almonds, cashews, pistachios, melon seeds.
- Remove on a greased thali (tray) and allow to set for 2 hours. Break into pieces before offering.
Panchamrita
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yoghurt
- 1 cup cow's milk
- 1 tablespoon cow's ghee
- 1 tablespoon pure honey
- 1 tablespoon sugar or misri powder
- Few holi basil leaves (tulsi)
Method:
Mix all the ingredients. Panchamrita, prasad is ready for the offering.
Meva Kheer
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ litre Milk
- 5 tablespoon Sugar or misri
- ½ cup makhana (foxnuts)
- ½ cup mixed dry fruits - almonds, cashews, raisins, pistachios, chopped
- 3-4 green cardamon, seeds powdered
- Few saffron strands, optional
- 2 tablespoon cow's ghee
Method:
- In a pan, add a tablespoon of ghee and roast the dry fruits. Remove them to the plate. Now, add the remaining ghee and roast the makhana for a few minutes. Remove it to the plate.
- Add milk to the pan and bring it to a boil. Cook till the milk is slightly reduced.
- Add in the roasted dry fruits and the makhanas. Add the sugar and cook for 8-10 minutes till the kheer is slightly reduced. Remove from heat.
Collection of Janmashtami Sweets recipes
1
Peda Recipe with milk powder
Peda recipe with Milk Powder - This rich and delicious Indian sweet is made with just 4 ingredients and in less than 20 minutes. Try it this holi!
Get The Peda Recipe
2
Kheer | Rice Pudding
Kheer is a creamy, mildly sweetened Indian rice pudding, flavored with aromatic saffron and cardamom powder.
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3
Easy Lauki Kheer Recipe [Bottle Gourd Pudding]
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Lauki Kheer Recipe! This traditional Indian dessert, made with bottle gourd, milk, condensed milk, and a hint of aromatic spices, is perfect for festive celebrations or a sweet treat any day!
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4
Sooji Halwa
Sooji halwa - Make this delicious halwa in less than 20 minutes with simple 3 ingredients! This recipe is make-ahead and freezer-friendly.
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5
Easy Badam Burfi Recipe (with Almond Flour)
Easy Badam Burfi or Badam Barfi (Almond Fudge) is made with store-bought almond flour. In less than 20 minutes you can make this delicious Indian sweet with just a handful of ingredients!
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6
Easy Shrikhand Recipe [Flavored Yogurt Dessert]
Delicious homemade Shrikhand - a traditional Indian yogurt dessert! Creamy and sweet, perfect for festive occasions.
Get The Shrikhand Recipe
7
Lauki Ka Halwa - Instant Pot
Lauki Halwa is a popular North Indian dessert made with lauki (bottle gourd), milk, sugar, and ghee, and flavored with aromatic saffron and cardamom.
Get The Lauki Ka Halwa Recipe
8
Coconut Burfi Recipe
Coconut burfi is a delicious Indian sweet made with desiccated coconut, sugar, and milk. This festive delight can be made in less than 30 minutes!
Get The Coconut Burfi Recipe
9
Carrot Halwa | Gajar Ka Halwa Instant Pot, Stove Top
This Instant pot Carrot Halwa / Gajar Ka Halwa is a very quick and a delicious recipe made in a pressure cooker by preserving most of its nutrients value and its vibrant color!!
Get The Carrot Halwa Recipe
10
Mango Shrikhand
Mango Shrikhand or Amrakhand is a creamy, luscious dessert made with thick or Greek yogurt, mango pulp, and some exotic Indian spices.
Get The Mango Shrikhand Recipe
11
Til Ke Ladoo With Jaggery
Soft Til Ke Laddu, made from sesame seeds (til), jaggery, and ghee, is a traditional Indian treat that’s not only full of flavor but also packed with nutrients. These laddus are incredibly soft, easy to make, and perfect for festivals like Makar Sankranti or as a snack.
Get The Til Ke Ladoo Recipe
12
Gur Ka Halwa Recipe | Sooji Halwa with Jaggery
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of Gur ka Halwa, a winter special delight that perfectly blends semolina, jaggery, and aromatic spices. This cozy dessert is a delightful treat for chilly evenings!
Get The Gur Ka Halwa Recipe
13
Besan Burfi Recipe | Easy Besan Ki Barfi
Easy Besan Burfi recipe with ghee, sugar & cardamom. Learn how to make soft, melt-in-mouth besan ki barfi at home for festivals & celebrations.
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14
Instant Pot Gajar Halwa | Gajar ka Halwa in Pressure Cooker without grating
Instant Pot Gajar Halwa in a pressure cooker without grating the carrots in a fraction of the time. This easy, Indian dessert is made with carrots, milk, and sugar, and flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron.
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15
Tahiri (Sindhi Sweet Rice)
Tahiri is an aromatic Sindhi sweet rice prepared with jaggery, fennel seeds, green cardamom, and saffron. This easy recipe works in the Instant Pot, pressure cooker, or stovetop, and is traditionally served with Sindhi Sai Bhaji on festive occasions.
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16
Sweet Potato Halwa (Instant Pot, Stovetop)
Sweet potato halwa, also known as Shakarkandi ka halwa is a popular dessert, traditionally served during festivals in India. This comforting dish is made with sweet potatoes, some milk, sugar, and ghee or clarified butter. Flavored with aromatic green cardamom and topped with some nuts.
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17
Mango Phirni
Mango phirni is a creamy-rich, sweet delicacy, made with coarsely ground aromatic basmati rice, milk, fresh mangoes, and flavored with saffron and green cardamon. Enjoy this chilled and refreshing treat on a hot summer day!
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18
Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
2-Ingredient Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies: They're easy to make, gluten-free, and packed with flavor.
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19
2-Ingredient Mango Ice Cream Barfi
2-ingredient mango ice cream burfi, made with just mango ice-cream and milk powder. This easy-to-make dessert delivers a rich, tropical flavor in every bite. Add a touch of saffron and silver leaf for a festive twist.
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20
Badam Doodh | Badam Milk Recipe
Learn how to make creamy badam milk with this easy milk badam recipe. Discover traditional Indian almond milk flavors and simple badam milk recipes at home.
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21
Coconut Almond Flour Cookies
These desiccated Coconut Almond Flour Cookies are the perfect guilt-free indulgence. Packed with nutty flavors, chewy texture, and natural sweetness, they make a wonderful snack or dessert for any occasion.
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22
Basundi Recipe
Make creamy Basundi in just 35 minutes! This classic Indian sweet milk dessert is perfect for festivals, Diwali, or any special occasion.
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Collection of Janmashtami Savory recipes
23
Poha Chivda | Chivda Recipe 2 Ways | Namkeen Snack
Try this delicious Roasted Poha Chivda, a crispy and flavorful Indian snack perfect for tea time! Enjoy the crunchy goodness with a blend of spices.
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24
Methi Pakora Recipe | Methi Bhajiya | Methi Pakoda
Methi Pakora (Methi Bhajiya) is a flavorful and crispy Indian snack made with fresh fenugreek leaves, chickpea flour, and spices, perfect for tea time or a party appetizer.
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25
Homemade Almond Crackers (6 - Flavor Variations)
Crispy, gluten-free homemade almond crackers made with just 4 simple ingredients. Perfect for snacking, dips, or cheese boards.
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26
Namak Para [Nimki]
Namak para is a savory Indian tea-time snack that is crispy, flaky, and delicious. Made with simple pantry ingredients, and a few aromatic spices.
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27
No Fry Buff Vada [Farali Pattice]
Try this delicious, no fry buff vada [farali pattice] recipe with the same flavors and crispiness. Enjoy these low-fat, guilt-free buff vada with some cilantro chutney and a cup of chai!
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28
Dahi Vada Recipe | Easy Dahi Bhalla Recipe
This dahi vada recipe, also known as dahi bhalla recipe, is a popular Indian chaat made with fluffy urad dal vadas, creamy yogurt, and tangy chutneys. A must-try festive snack!
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29
No Fry Sabudana Vada
Try this delectable, no fry sabudana vada recipe with the same flavors and crispiness. Enjoy these low-fat, guilt-free sabudana vada with some cilantro chutney and a cup of chai! This recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
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30
Rajgira Poori | Amaranth Puri | Vrat Ki Puri
Rajgira Poori recipe, a delightful gluten-free flatbread made from amaranth flour, ideal for fasting(vrat) meals. Crispy and aromatic, it pairs wonderfully with Vrat Wale Aloo Ki Sabji for a satisfying and flavorful experience.
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31
Vrat Wale Aloo | Vrat Ke Aloo | Fasting Potato Curry Recipe
Easy Vrat Wale Aloo recipe, perfect for fasting or Navratri. This simple and delicious potato sabzi, prepared without onion and garlic, pairs perfectly with fasting flatbreads such as kuttu ka paratha, kuttu ki poori, or rajgira poori.
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32
Lauki ki sabzi
Lauki ki Sabji, also known as Bottle Gourd Curry, is a popular and nutritious Indian vegetable dish. This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking by adding other vegetables or spices.
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33
Kaddu Ki Sabzi | Indian Pumpkin Stir Fry
Savor the flavors of North India with this delectable Kaddu Ki Sabzi! A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this pumpkin curry is sure to warm your soul.
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34
Khasta Poori / Puri
Khasta Poori is a crisp, flaky, puffed bread, popular in Northern India. This poori makes a great accompaniment to many Indian dishes.
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35
Mathura Ke Dubki Wale Aloo
Mathura Ke Dubki Wale Aloo is a popular dish from Mathura, India, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. This simple, amazing potato curry is prepared with mashed boiled potatoes, aromatic Indian spices, and some fresh herbs. This dish is a no-onion, no-garlic, no-tomato recipe. Enjoy this Mathura Ke Dubki Wale Aloo with some Khasta poori or Kachori!
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36
How to make non-sticky & fluffy Sabudana Khichdi
Learn how to make non-sticky, soft & fluffy Sabudana Khichdi with this easy, fool-proof recipe. Enjoy this delicious, easy-to-make dish in under 30 minutes!
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37
Lauki Raita (Dudhi Raita Recipe)
A simple, cooling Indian yogurt side dish made with grated lauki sautéed in ghee and mixed with creamy curd and mild spices. Perfect to pair with everyday meals.
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38
Crispy Arbi Tuk | Smashed Taro Root
Arbi Tuk: These smashed Taro Roots are a tasty side dish or snack! They're crispy, golden on the outside, soft, melt-in-mouth inside, and packed with aromatic Indian flavor.
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39
Sindhi Makhni Moong Dal - Instant Pot & Stovetop
Sindhi Makhni Moong Dal recipe: This hearty and nutritious dish is known for its creamy texture, tangy flavors, and aromatic spices.
Get Makhani Moong Dal Recipe
40
Air Fryer Chakli [Murukku]
This Air fryer chakli (murukku) is delicious, and low-fat. It is healthier than the traditional deep-fried chakli. Try these low-fat chakli without compromising on its taste. Munch on these healthy bites any time of the day. This recipe is vegan and nut-free.
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41
Vrat Sweet Potato Paneer Skewers (Air Fryer + Oven Method)
Easy vrat-friendly sweet potato paneer skewers made with simple fasting spices. Air fryer, oven, and stovetop methods included-perfect Navratri snack.
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42
Vrat Wali Green Chutney with Peanuts
A quick and flavorful vrat-friendly green chutney made with peanuts, coriander, and simple fasting ingredients. Perfect for Navratri and pairs beautifully with sabudana vada, aloo tikki, and more.
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43
Makhana Paneer Tamatar Sabzi (Vrat-Friendly, No Onion No Garlic)
A simple and delicious vrat-friendly Makhana Paneer Tamatar Sabzi made without onion and garlic. This quick Navratri recipe combines roasted makhana and soft paneer in a flavorful tomato-based gravy, perfect to enjoy with kuttu puri or samak rice.
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44
Paneer Lauki Soup
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45
Gobi Paneer (Low Carb, High Protein)
A wholesome, protein-rich Indian dry sabzi with tender cauliflower florets and golden paneer, tempered in mustard oil with aromatic whole spices.
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46
Kashmiri Paneer Masala
This easy Kashmiri Paneer Masala recipe makes a quick and tasty Indian curry. Soft, succulent pieces of paneer are simmered in a delicious tomato-based gravy. This is a no-cream, no-butter recipe, no-onion, and no-garlic recipe. Perfect for weeknights or even for entertaining!
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47
Aloo Tuk / Crispy Potatoes - Stove Top, Air Fryer
These Aloo Tuk / Crispy Potatoes are super easy, and sinfully delicious recipe from Indian cuisine. Served as a side dish or as an starter/appetizer. Absolutely easy and a great recipe loved by all ages.
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48
Aloo ki Sabji | Satvik Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabji
Aloo ki Sabji or Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabji is easy to make and is a mildly spiced dish. It is made with potatoes, tomatoes, a few spices, and herbs. This is a satvik recipe made without onion and garlic.
Get Aloo Tamatak Ki Sabji Recipe
49
Khamang Kakdi [Maharashtrian Cucumber Salad]
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50
Healthy Lauki Juice | Bottle Gourd Juice
Cool off with a refreshing homemade Lauki Juice (Bottle Gourd Juice). Packed with nutrients and a hint of minty freshness, it's perfect for hot summer days!
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51
Raw Banana Fry | Easy Banana Fry Recipe
Enjoy the perfect blend of spices in this crispy Raw Banana Fry recipe – a delightful side dish bursting with flavor and texture. Quick, easy, and sure to be a favorite for banana lovers!
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FAQ's
What are the 5 main bhog (prasad) recipes for Janmashtami?
The five traditional bhog items are Dhaniya Panjiri, Makhan Mishri, Makhana Paag, Panchamrita, and Meva Kheer. Together they make up Krishna's prasad thali.
What sweets are made for Janmashtami?
Milk-based sweets are especially popular since Krishna is associated with milk and butter, think kheer, phirni, shrikhand, halwa, burfi, and peda. You'll find 19 sweet recipes in the collection above.
Are Janmashtami recipes vegetarian?
Yes. All Janmashtami bhog and prasad recipes are vegetarian, and most are made without onion or garlic, following the fasting traditions many families observe on this day.
When is Janmashtami in 2026?
Janmashtami falls on Friday, September 4, 2026. Some Smarta households observe it a day earlier, on Thursday, September 3.
What savory snacks can I make for Janmashtami?
Vrat-friendly options like Sabudana Khichdi, Rajgira Poori, Namak Para, and Aloo Tuk are all popular no-onion, no-garlic choices, see the full savory collection above.
Can I make Janmashtami prasad ahead of time?
Yes. Dhaniya Panjiri and Makhana Paag both keep well in an airtight container for weeks, so they're easy to prepare a few days ahead of the festival.
Do try these Janmashtami 2026 recipes from Living Smart and Healthy. Missing your favorite? Let me know in the comments and I'll add it. Happy Janmashtami!
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- Indian Sweets Recipes
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- 75+ Easy Indian Dinner Recipes & Ideas
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Panchamrit | Panchamrita | Panchamrut | Panchamruta recipe
Panchamrit is a holy drink made with five ingredients- milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar and is usually offered as prasad in temples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yoghurt made with cow's milk
- 1 cup cow's milk
- 1 tablespoon cow's ghee
- 1 tablespoon pure honey
- 1 tablespoon sugar or misri powder
- Few holi basil leaves (tulsi), optional
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients. Panchamrita, prasad is ready for the offering.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Panchamrit | Panchamrita | Panchamrut | Panchamruta recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
14
% Daily Value*
Fat
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.03
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.2
g
Cholesterol
3
mg
1
%
Sodium
6
mg
0
%
Potassium
22
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
1
g
0
%
Fiber
0.001
g
0
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
0.5
g
1
%
Vitamin A
18
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
0.04
mg
0
%
Calcium
17
mg
2
%
Iron
0.01
mg
0
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Priya S. says
This is such a helpful list! Making the makhana paag and panchamrit for our thali this year. Do you have a favorite among the five bhog recipes?
Jyoti Behrani says
Thank you, Priya! Meva kheer is probably my favorite, it's simple but always disappears fast. Happy Janmashtami to you and your family!
Anita R. says
Do you have a version of the panjiri that isn't as sweet? Looking for something closer to what my mom used to make.
Jyoti Behrani says
You can cut the powdered sugar down to a third of a cup without changing the texture, it'll taste closer to a more traditional, less-sweet panjiri. Let me know how it turns out!
Meera K. says
Bookmarking this for Sept 4! Love that you've grouped everything into bhog, sweets, and savory, makes planning so much easier.
Jyoti Behrani says
So glad it's helpful, Meera! Hope your Janmashtami spread turns out wonderfully.