Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, is incomplete without the sweet aroma of prasad filling the home. Since Krishna is fondly known as Makhan Chor (butter thief) and Makhanchor, most Janmashtami prasad revolves around milk, butter, and other sattvic ingredients.
If you’re preparing for the festivities, here are 5 easy and delicious prasad recipes you can make at home.
1. Panchamrit – The Sacred Nectar
Significance: Panchamrit is an essential offering in Janmashtami puja, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp curd
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp ghee
Method:
- In a clean bowl, mix all ingredients.
- Stir gently with a spoon until well combined.
- Offer to Krishna during puja and serve as prasad.
2. Makhan Mishri – Krishna’s Favorite
Significance: This is the simplest and most loved offering for little Krishna.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh white butter (makhan)
- 2 tbsp powdered mishri (rock sugar)
Method:
- In a bowl, combine butter and mishri.
- Mix lightly — don’t overmix.
- Serve fresh in small bowls during puja.
3. Sabudana Kheer – Light & Sattvic Sweet
Ingredients:
- ½ cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- 4 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
Method:
- Soak sabudana for 2–3 hours.
- Boil milk and add sabudana.
- Cook on low flame till pearls turn translucent.
- Add sugar, cardamom, and nuts.
- Serve warm or chilled.
4. Coconut Ladoo – Sweet & Aromatic
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- 1 cup condensed milk
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
Method:
- Heat coconut in a pan for 2 minutes (don’t brown it).
- Add condensed milk and cook till mixture thickens.
- Add cardamom powder, mix, and roll into ladoos.
5. Fruit & Dry Fruit Chaat – Quick & Healthy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped seasonal fruits (banana, apple, grapes, pomegranate)
- ½ cup mixed dry fruits (raisins, almonds, cashews)
- 1 tsp honey
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Toss lightly and serve immediately as a fresh offering.
While preparing Janmashtami prasad, avoid using onion, garlic, or processed ingredients. Keep the offerings simple, pure, and made with devotion — because as the scriptures say, Krishna accepts the love behind the food more than the food itself.
