Janmashtami or Krishna Jayanthi - the birth of Lord Krishna is being celebrated across India on August 12 this year. Also known as Gokulashtami, this festival falls on the eighth day of the Hindu month of Shraavana during the Krishna Paksha phase.
Celebrations and traditions include praying to Lord Krishna by singing bhajans, visiting temples, playing ‘Kala Handi’ and offering various foods to the Almighty. On this festive day, Krishna, the warrior Lord, a spiritual teacher and philosopher for the Hindus, is revered as baby Krishna for his playful nature. Also Read: Janmashtami: Treat Your Little Krishna At Home To These Traditional Delicacies
Every household considers their little children as baby Krishna on this auspicious day, treating them to yummy delicacies, after making an offering to God. And likewise, each child is special and must be provided with optimal nourishment right from a young age. Especially now, in challenging circumstances of social distancing and partial lockdown, to prevent adults and kids from acquiring COVID-19. And diet plays a key role in bolstering immunity, to efficiently defend the body from invading pathogens such as bacteria, viruses which cause disease.
This year, in addition to preparing the expansive feast of mouth-watering traditional sweets and savouries for Krishna Jayanthi, make some nutrient-dense beverages for children. These comprise a plethora of organic ingredients such as fresh fruits, zesty spices, natural sweeteners and probiotics, to vastly enrich immunity in little ones.
Read on, to discover two simple and lip-smacking recipes that will build immunity, energize your toddlers and leave them asking for more!
Rainbow Smoothie
Whilst your little ones learn about picturesque scenes in the sky when sunshine and raindrops coincide, what VIBGYOR means etc., in school, inculcate in them some healthy eating habits at home as well, to begin their day the right way. With none other than this tasty smoothie recipe, that combines nourishing fruits in the seven distinct colours of the rainbow, along with some fresh, creamy dairy and a generous dose of sweetness. Perfect to serve as an accompaniment to any typical morning meal, be it a bowl of crunchy cereal flakes, a plate of warm aloo parathas or a couple of soft steamed idlis.
Ingredients:
¼ cup purple grapes
1 tiny jamun
¼ cup blueberries
1 kiwi
1 ripe banana
1 small grapefruit
3 strawberries
1 cup yoghurt
3 tbsp honey
Method:
Wash all the fruits thoroughly in water.
Remove the peel from the kiwi, banana and grapefruit.
In a juicer, blend the fruits with yoghurt, honey and some crushed ice.
Pour the delightful rainbow smoothie into tall glasses and serve chilled for breakfast.
Nutrition:
Grapes offer vitamin K for normal blood clotting as well as wound healing processes, jamun is loaded with vitamin A for enhanced eyesight and blueberries are rich in anthocyanins to maintain heart functions. Packed with vitamin E, kiwis promote hair growth, while bananas supply calories, carbs for energy metabolism and grapefruits, strawberries are infused with vitamin C to keep seasonal illnesses at bay. Yoghurt is a wonderful probiotic for smooth digestion and honey is renowned for its high polyphenol antioxidant content, to eliminate harmful free radicals, toxins from the system. Also Check Out: Honey And Its Various Avatars For Therapeutic Benefits - Infographic
Golden Milk
Here’s the ultimate solution to get your toddlers, who often squirm at the mere sight of milk, to gulp down a cup of the pure white drink on a daily basis. Yes, even the fussiest of kids will find this interesting version of good old haldi ka doodh i.e. turmeric milk quite irresistible. Seasoned with the choicest of condiments, along with some crispy nuts and seeds, to impart mouth-watering flavours, in addition to an appetizing crumbly texture, this vibrant milk recipe is indeed a treat for all children alike. Ideal to consume hot, after a light meal at night.
Ingredients:
2 cups of milk
3 tsp turmeric powder
1-inch cinnamon
4 cardamom pods
5 - 7 almonds, sliced
1 tsp flaxseeds
2 tbsp powdered jaggery
A few saffron strands
Method:
Grind the cinnamon, cardamom using a mortar and pestle, to obtain a fine residue.
Dry roast the almonds and flaxseeds in a pan on high flame and set aside.
Boil milk in a vessel, adding the turmeric powder, crushed cinnamon and cardamom, baked almonds and flaxseeds, along with jaggery.
Cook on medium setting for 5 minutes, stirring the mixture constantly and switch off the stove.
Garnish the enticing golden milk with vivid orange saffron threads and serve warmed after dinner.
Nutrition:
Milk is a superfood imbued with proteins, calcium, magnesium for robust muscles and strong bones. Turmeric is famed for its immense curcumin levels, which lower inflammation and relieve body pain. Possessing ample antimicrobial traits, cinnamon helps fight infections, allergies, cough and cold. Cardamom effectively thwarts mouth bacteria to remedy dental cavities and improve oral hygiene. Blessed with profuse quantities of vitamin B6, almonds and flaxseeds elevate nervous system activity, boost brain power, memory and concentration. Jaggery holds significant fiber, iron content, that improves bowel movement, blood circulation, while saffron regulates appetite and curbs untimely cravings.
