Food meets philanthropy at Akan
Adding to the charm of the day were painting and art stalls set up by the volunteers of Blood Warriors. Guests enjoyed activities like block printing on small bags and painting cartoon characters. Volunteers also took time to shed light on Thalassemia — its causes, risks, and how one could be a carrier — spreading crucial awareness about the disease.
Speaking about the initiative, Nihal Reddy, owner of Akan, shared, 'Every year on August 15, we dedicate the day to a cause. This year, we chose to focus on Thalassemia. We serve traditional food as part of the fundraiser, and the proceeds go towards supporting the cause. I first learned about Thalassemia from Krishna, the founder of Blood Warriors, and later my wife, who is a doctor, explained it in detail. I realised that in India, many are prone to this disease, but awareness is low. That is why I wanted to focus on it this year. Compared to last year, we had more people participating, and I hope it continues to grow.'
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Janmashtami 2025 Vrat Guide: Dos, don'ts, and complete food list to follow
Janmashtami, celebrating Lord Krishna's birth, falls on August 16th. Devotees observe fasts, either abstaining from food and water or consuming only fruits and milk. Key guidelines include mindful snacking with nuts and fruits, staying hydrated, and opting for light, Satvik meals. The holy festival of Janmashtami is being celebrated around the world on August 16. This day commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada. On this day, devotees observe fast and then celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight by offering him chhappan bhog, which means 56 dishes and the bhog thali includes his favourites like makhan mishri, panchamrit, makhana paag, gopalkala, and more. Types of fasts On Janmashtami, devotees observe either of the two types of fasts Nirjala fast: In this fasting, devotees abstain from both food and water throughout the day and they break the fast at midnight after offering prayer and aarti to Lord Krishna. Phalahar fast: As the name suggest, in this fast devotees eat fruits, milk and water and refrain from consuming grains, legumes, and vegetables. Key food rules to follow while fasting Be mindful of your festive snacking: It's crucial to be aware of what you consume during fasting, as snacking often leads to overindulgence. Avoid fried options like fries and pakodas, and instead, opt for healthier choices like nuts (such as almonds), makhanas, and fruits. Almonds are especially beneficial for heart health, weight management, and diabetes control. Additionally, almonds provide a healthy source of energy to keep you active, particularly during fasting. Their satiating nature can also make fasting more manageable. Stay hydrated: Optimal hydration is essential for various bodily functions, and it becomes even more important during fasting. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and irritability, which are undesirable when fasting. Ensure you consume an adequate amount of water. Other options to stay hydrated include fruit juices, coconut water, etc. Opt for light and Satvik meals: Satvik foods, known for their purity and ease of digestion, are ideal for fasting. These meals align with the spiritual essence of Janmashtami while providing the nourishment needed to keep your energy levels up. Include fruits, yogurt, almonds, and grains like buckwheat (kuttu), amaranth (rajgira), and water chestnut (singhara) in your diet to stay balanced and energized. Break your fast mindfully: Breaking your fast mindfully is important as it helps your body adjust smoothly after a period of not eating. Consuming too much or too quickly can lead to bloating or discomfort. Starting with lighter, easy-to-digest foods gives your stomach time to adjust and process food properly. It also helps maintain steady energy levels and prevents overeating, which is better for your overall health. Listen to your body: Fasting is more than just abstaining from food; it involves paying attention to your body and recognizing its needs. If you start feeling weak or dizzy, it's essential to break your fast with light and healthy foods. Nutritionists emphasize that fasting should refresh and cleanse your body, not leave you drained. If you have health issues like diabetes or low blood pressure, consult a healthcare professional before you begin fasting. Dos: Eat fresh fruits: As per experts, to keep the body energized, it is recommended to eat fresh fruits or even dry fruits. Fruits like apples, blackberries, bananas, grapes, walnuts, almonds, and dates can be consumed, which will keep you active and boost immunity as well. Donate food: On this day, donating food and water is considered a noble act. And when you are observing a fast, it is suggested that you donate food to the needy. It is believed that the act of donating brings happiness and prosperity. Also, during the Janmashtami fast, feeding the cows is considered noble, as cows are very close to Lord Krishna. Consume milk and curd: This festival is incomplete without milk and curd. While fasting, you may indulge in shakes made with fresh fruits, or you may drink sweet lassi or salty lassi made with curd and sendha namak. Savoury snack: In many regions, people observe the nirjala fast (avoid food and water) on Janmashtami, while others eat vrat ka khana. If you follow the latter, you may indulge in sabudana papad, sabudana khichdi, kuttu paratha, or samak rice cooked in desi ghee and sendha namak to keep the body healthy and energized. Don'ts: Avoid meat and eggs: While observing a fast, the consumption of meat and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited. Avoid onions and garlic: On this day, people avoid eating and cooking onions and garlic. Also, the feast or bhog prepared for the Janmashtami festival doesn't use onion or garlic. Avoid tea or coffee: As per experts, one should avoid indulging in tea and coffee, as they create acidity and may cause uneasiness, heaviness, and headaches while fasting. Avoid alcohol: On this day, people also avoid consuming alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes. Avoid oily food: It is also suggested to avoid oily foods to keep the gut healthy and avoid laziness. As per experts, oily food slows the digestion process, and hence, during fasting it might lead to health issues. All Images Courtesy: istock Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes, , messages , and quotes !
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Food meets philanthropy at Akan
Staying true to tradition, each guest seated at the table was served on a banana leaf. The elaborate spread featured Gongura Pickle, Amla Pickle, Podi, Coconut Bhendi Fry, Potlakaya Curry, White Rice, Pulusu, Pappu, Vankaya Curry, Jackfruit Biryani, Bobbatlu, Carrot Sweet Rolls, Sitaphal Rabdi, and Curd Rice — a feast no one could resist. Adding to the charm of the day were painting and art stalls set up by the volunteers of Blood Warriors. Guests enjoyed activities like block printing on small bags and painting cartoon characters. Volunteers also took time to shed light on Thalassemia — its causes, risks, and how one could be a carrier — spreading crucial awareness about the disease. Speaking about the initiative, Nihal Reddy, owner of Akan, shared, 'Every year on August 15, we dedicate the day to a cause. This year, we chose to focus on Thalassemia. We serve traditional food as part of the fundraiser, and the proceeds go towards supporting the cause. I first learned about Thalassemia from Krishna, the founder of Blood Warriors, and later my wife, who is a doctor, explained it in detail. I realised that in India, many are prone to this disease, but awareness is low. That is why I wanted to focus on it this year. Compared to last year, we had more people participating, and I hope it continues to grow.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Janmashtami 2025: The right way to make Kanha ji's Panchamrit
Janmashtami rituals are considered incomplete without Panchamrit, a sacred mixture offered to Lord Krishna during midnight puja. This concoction, made of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and jaggery, symbolizes purity, prosperity, knowledge, sweetness, and bliss. Ayurveda suggests Panchamrit nourishes tissues, boosts immunity, and enhances cognitive functions. Studies indicate its ingredients offer benefits like improved cardiovascular health, gut health, and wound healing. The rituals of the Janmashtami festival are incomplete without the abhishek of Lord Krishna with Panchamrit. It is a holy concoction, which is offered to Lord Krishna at the midnight puja rituals of the festival and is considered to be a traditional practice associated with the festival. Let us learn more about it, its recipe, and its benefits. Also Read: Significance of Dahi Handi celebration during Janmashtami What is Panchamrit? It is a sacred mixture used in Hindu rituals, especially during pujas, abhishek (ritual bathing of deities), and festive offerings. The word Panchamrit comes from Sanskrit, where panch means five and amrit means nectar of life. It's believed that Panchamrit purifies the mind and body, nourishes the soul, and pleases the deity being worshipped. After the ritual, it's often distributed as prasadam for everyone to drink. What are the five ingredients used in Panchamrit? Panchamrit is made of five ingredients, which includes milk, curd, ghee, honey, and jaggery or sugar. As per experts, milk is a symbol of purity and nurturing, curd represents prosperity and strength, ghee is for knowledge and vitality,honey represents sweetness and unity, and lastly sugar or jaggery represents bliss and happiness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Ingredients required 1/2 up honey, 1 cup ghee, 2 cups powdered sugar, 4 cups curd, 8 cups milk How to make it All you need to do is combine all the ingredients in a deep mixing bowl, stir well and your panchamrit is ready. And at last it is suggested to add tulsi dal (leaves) on top of it. What does Ayurveda say? As per Ayurveda, Panchamrit nourishes the seven bodily tissues and enhances the body's overall immunity due to the presence of milk proteins, curd probiotics, honey's antimicrobial properties, and ghee's anti-inflammatory effects. It is said that the use of these five ingredients boost intelligence, memory, grasping power, and creative abilities too. It also acts as a natural cleanser and nourisher for skin cells, reducing stress effects and promoting a healthy glow. As per experts, it helps rectify pitta imbalances such as acidity, nausea, indigestion, and low blood pressure as well. What study says? According to a study , milk consumption is linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, colorectal cancer, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and osteoporosis. It is also associated with reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. It is mentioned that honey intake helps lowering fasting blood glucose, improving cholesterol profiles, and increasing HDL levels. It also has wound-healing properties, promoting faster tissue repair and reducing infection risks due to its antimicrobial effects. If we go by PMC , curd provides important micronutrients like phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A, B2, and B12, contributing to overall nutrition. It has immunomodulatory effects, helping to strengthen the immune system. Also, curd influences the intestinal microbiota by reducing pathogenic bacteria and promoting beneficial gut flora, aiding digestion and gut health. For ghee , it is said that its decreased arachidonic acid helps lower cardiovascular disease risk. All Images Courtesy: istock Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages , and quotes !
