India, Aug. 15 -- Janmashtami - which will fall on August 16 this year - marks the birth of Shri Krishna. From staples such as makhan-mishri, dhaniya panjiri, and makhana paag to kheer, kalakand, and sabudana-based dishes, offering special prasad is central to the festivities. Looking for a health-conscious way to indulge? Here are some festive treats with a nutritious twist. "I have a reimagined version of the classic kheer, called Krishna's Golden Bounty. You can replace refined sugar with golden jaggery or palm sugar, which adds a deeper, caramel-like note. Add almonds, pistachios, and cashews for healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. If you're vegan, opt for condensed coconut milk instead of regular condensed milk. You can also add roasted makhana for extra protein," says Benjamin Lalhmangaiha, Executive Sous Chef, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel, Hyderabad. If kalakand is your go-to choice for bhog, try a millet-based makeover. "Jhangora, or barnyard millet, is a gluten-free supergrain packed with fibre, protein, and essential minerals, making it a healthier alternative to refined grains. When slow-cooked in milk with jaggery, cardamom, saffron, and nuts, it becomes a nourishing prasad that supports digestion, provides steady energy, and delivers natural sweetness without processed sugar. This twist keeps the traditional flavour intact while adding a healthy, satvik touch," says Chef Sumit Kumar, Corporate Chef, Aloha on the Ganges, Rishikesh. From swapping refined sugar with natural sweeteners like jaggery or dates to using wholesome grains such as ragi and millets, and ghee mindfully, there are many ways to give your prasad both texture and nourishment. "You could make panchmeva dry fruit ladoo naturally sweetened with dates and raisins, full of healthy fats from nuts. Or try ragi sheera, which is high in fibre, calcium, and iron, naturally sweetened with dates and flavoured with saffron and cardamom. The steamed coconut jaggery modak filled with jaggery-sweetened coconut, or jaggery and pistachio peda made with slow-reduced milk, is also a healthy treat," says Rohit Dubey, Executive Chef, Pilibhit House, Haridwar. He adds, "If chia seeds are your calling, try the sabudana and chia seeds ladoo - a twist on the vrat favourite, combining soaked sabudana, roasted chia seeds, coconut, and jaggery into nutrient-rich, bite-sized delights."...