Can we drink milk during Janmashtami fasting? The definitive guide

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

During the sacred Janmashtami festival, where devotees celebrate Lord Krishna's birth, millions observe a fast, with rules varying widely. A common query for observers is: can we drink milk during Janmashtami fasting? The short answer is yes, for most types of fasts, dairy is not only permitted but is a cherished part of the rituals.

Quick Summary

Milk and other dairy products are generally permissible during most Janmashtami fasts, particularly the Phalahar vrat, aligning with Lord Krishna's love for milk. Exceptions include the strict Nirjala fast. The practice provides nourishment and is a traditional offering, broken with milk-based sweets at midnight.

Key Points

Dairy is generally allowed: Milk, yogurt, and paneer are permitted during Phalahar fasts.
Krishna's favorite: Milk and its products are auspicious due to Lord Krishna's childhood fondness.
Not for Nirjala fast: Strict Nirjala fasts prohibit all food and water, including milk.
Provides energy and hydration: Milk helps sustain energy and hydration during the day-long fast.
Traditional offering: Milk-based sweets like kheer and peda are common offerings at midnight puja.
Use rock salt for dairy dishes: When preparing food with milk products, use sendha namak.
Listen to your body: If you feel unwell, it is always acceptable to adjust or break your fast with light foods.

Understanding the Different Types of Janmashtami Fasts

Fasting for Janmashtami is a revered practice, but not all fasts are observed in the same manner. Your ability to drink milk depends on the specific type of fast you are undertaking. There are two primary categories of Janmashtami fasts: the strict Nirjala fast and the more lenient Phalahar fast.

The Nirjala Fast: A Total Abstention

Devotees who commit to a Nirjala fast undertake the most rigorous form of fasting, abstaining completely from both food and water for the entire day. This fast is broken at midnight after the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with prayers (aarti) and rituals. For those observing a Nirjala fast, the consumption of any fluids, including milk, is strictly prohibited. This path is chosen by those seeking a more profound spiritual experience through complete denial.

The Phalahar Fast: A Fruit and Milk-Based Diet

The Phalahar fast, also known as the fruit-and-milk fast, is a popular choice for many. This allows for the consumption of fruits, milk, water, and other liquids throughout the day. It is during this fast that milk and other dairy products are not just permitted but are actively encouraged. This provides a way to participate devoutly while ensuring the body remains hydrated and nourished during the day-long observance.

The Deep Significance of Milk and Dairy in Janmashtami

Lord Krishna, the deity whose birth is celebrated, has a special and famous connection to milk. Known as Makhan Chor (the butter thief), stories of his childhood pranks involving butter are central to his folklore. Because of this, milk and its derivatives hold a deeply auspicious place in Janmashtami celebrations. Offering dairy-based delicacies is a way of honouring Lord Krishna’s preferences.

Milk for bathing the deity (Abhishek).
Preparation of traditional sweets like kheer, peda, and makhan mishri.
The use of ghee (clarified butter) for cooking permissible foods and lighting lamps.

Safely Incorporating Milk into Your Phalahar Fast

If you are observing a Phalahar fast, you can creatively and healthily incorporate milk into your diet. This helps maintain energy and prevents fatigue.

Milk-Based Preparations for Fasting:

Fruit Shakes and Smoothies: Blend fresh fruits like bananas or apples with milk and a pinch of cardamom for a nutritious beverage.
Buttermilk (Chaas): A refreshing drink made from curd and rock salt (sendha namak), perfect for staying hydrated.
Pudding (Kheer): A sweet dessert made with milk and fasting-friendly grains like sama ke chawal or sabudana.
Cottage Cheese (Paneer): Dishes made with paneer are allowed and provide valuable protein.

Comparison: Nirjala vs. Phalahar Fasting


Feature	Nirjala Fast	Phalahar Fast
Food and Water Intake	None at all	Fruits, milk, water, and other liquids permitted
Dairy Consumption	Strictly prohibited	Allowed and encouraged
Duration	From sunrise to midnight	From sunrise to midnight
Purpose	High spiritual rigour, discipline	Devotion with nourishment, physical wellness
Suitability	Best for physically fit individuals	Recommended for most, including the elderly, pregnant, or ill

The Health Benefits of Consuming Milk During Fasting

Drinking milk during your Phalahar fast is a healthy way to manage energy levels. Milk is a nutrient-dense fluid that offers essential protein, calcium, and carbohydrates. This can help curb hunger and provide sustained energy, unlike sugary juices that may cause a quick spike and crash. The inclusion of milk is a practical measure to ensure a comfortable and healthy fasting experience. Always listen to your body, and if you feel weak or unwell, it is acceptable to break your fast with light, healthy foods.

A Concluding Word on Milk for Janmashtami

In conclusion, the decision to drink milk during Janmashtami fasting is largely dependent on the type of fast being observed. For those choosing a Phalahar or fruit-and-milk fast, milk and other dairy products are not only permissible but are central to the dietary tradition. This is rooted in the deep spiritual significance of dairy products in Lord Krishna's mythology. Conversely, individuals undertaking the stringent Nirjala fast must abstain from all intake. Ultimately, the fast is an act of devotion, and your personal health and wellbeing should always be a priority. By understanding the rules and significance, you can partake in this festive tradition thoughtfully and respectfully. Consult reliable sources for additional details on fasting traditions. For more on the health aspects, one can consult resources like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking plain milk is acceptable, especially for those observing a Phalahar (fruit and milk) fast.

Permitted dairy products include milk, curd (yogurt), paneer (cottage cheese), and ghee.

Yes, fruit milkshakes or lassi made with fresh fruit, milk, and rock salt are often consumed by those observing a Phalahar fast.

Yes, a strict Nirjala fast requires total abstention from both food and water, including milk.

The tradition is linked to Lord Krishna's love for milk and butter as a child, with milk-based offerings being considered auspicious.

Some modern practitioners use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or coconut milk, but it's best to consult with elders or follow family tradition.

Yes, the protein and nutrients in milk can help maintain energy levels and hydration, potentially reducing fatigue and weakness.