How to open your Janmashtami fast the right way

India Today

3 days ago

Many believe that a Janmashtami fast is as spiritually powerful as 100 Ekadashi vrats—an offering of deep devotion to Lord Krishna. When you are ready to break this sacred fast, tradition guides you on how to do it mindfully.As soon as you complete your puja, begin by accepting the prasad offered to Krishna along with fresh fruit. This is the appropriate and respectful way to open your Janmashtami fast. It's considered wrong to dive into ordinary food before offering these sacred items.advertisementHOW TO OPEN THE FAST?1. Perform your midnight puja ritual, offer prayers, sing bhajans or chant Krishna's 108 names.2. Accept bhog that's been ceremonially offered, then have fruit. This marks the formal end of your fast.3. Only after these should you move on to other vrat-friendly food, steering clear of tamasic items like onion, garlic, grains or refined sugars.STICK TO SATTVIC CHOICES
Foods like milk, curd, makhan-mishri, sabudana, and cakes made from kuttu or singhara flour are ideal down the line. Avoid tamasic or non-vegetarian items, even if you're not fasting, it's best practice to continue with pure, devotional eating on Janmashtami.WHY THIS MATTERS?Following this process isn't just ceremonial, it honours the spirit of the vrat. It's believed that sincere observation of Janmashtami fast, even if broken slightly late, can bring immense spiritual benefit and blessings.TIPS FOR A DEVOTIONAL FAST-OPENINGPlan ahead: prepare your fruit and prasad before the puja.Offer Krishna's bhog with the right devotion, it's not just about food, but about intent.After the fast, continue the day with simplicity and gratitude.Following these simple, heartfelt steps helps keep your Janmashtami observance meaningful, not a mere ritual, but a genuine expression of devotion.- Ends