Krishna Janmashtami , the celebration of Lord Krishna ’s birth, is one of the most cherished festivals in India. Devotees observe the day with fasting, prayers, and an array of special dishes made as offerings, known as ‘bhog’. Among these, Dhaniya Panjiri holds a special place.
This humble yet highly nutritious dish is prepared with coriander (dhaniya) powder, ghee, sugar, and an assortment of nuts and seeds. But do you know, why is Dhaniya Panjiri specifically prepared for Janmashtami? Read below..
. The spiritual significance of Dhaniya Panjiri Dhaniya Panjiri is traditionally offered to Lord Krishna as prasad, a sacred offering to the deity. The significance of this dish lies not just in its taste but also in its symbolic and nutritional value.
According to Hindu mythology, Dhaniya Panjiri is considered to be Lord Krishna's favourite. This belief stems from the simple, earthy ingredients used in its preparation, which reflect the humble upbringing of Krishna in the pastoral land of Vrindavan. The dish embodies purity and simplicity, qualities that are highly valued in spiritual practices.
Offering Panjiri is an act of devotion, symbolizing the devotee's pure heart and dedication to Krishna. Other reasons Beyond its spiritual significance, Dhaniya Panjiri is also revered for its health benefits, making it an ideal choice for Janmashtami fasting. The key ingredient, coriander, is known for its digestive properties, which are particularly beneficial during a day of fasting when the digestive system is under strain.
Coriander seeds help to cool the body, aid in digestion, and maintain blood sugar levels, making the dish both refreshing and health-promoting. Watch: How to make Makhana Panjiri & Panchamrit Ghee, another primary ingredient, is a source of healthy fats that provide sustained energy, while the nuts and seeds add a dose of protein and healthy fats, which help to keep hunger at bay. This is especially important for devotees who fast throughout the day and need a nutritious and fulfilling dish to break their fast.
Moreover, Dhaniya Panjiri is easy to prepare and can be stored for a few days without spoiling, making it a practical choice for a festival where many other elaborate preparations are required. How to make Dhaniya Panjiri To prepare Dhaniya Panjiri , start by dry roasting half a cup of coriander seeds in a pan over low heat until they turn aromatic and light brown. Once cooled, grind the seeds into a coarse powder using a grinder.
In a separate pan, heat two tablespoons of ghee and add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, and raisins. Fry them until they turn golden brown, then set them aside. In the same pan, add another two tablespoons of ghee and one cup of whole wheat flour (optional) and roast until it becomes fragrant and light brown in colour.
Add the ground coriander powder to the roasted flour and mix well. After that, add the fried nuts and a quarter cup of powdered sugar or jaggery (for a healthier option) to the mixture. Stir continuously until everything is well combined.
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down. Store the Dhaniya Panjiri in an airtight container and use it as prasad during the Janmashtami celebration or enjoy it as a healthy snack anytime. (Images courtesy: Canva).
