Radha Ashtami Bhog Recipe: Devotees are filled with special enthusiasm on Radha Ashtami, the day marking the birth anniversary of Radha Rani. While temples witness special adornment rituals, prayers, and devotional singing (*bhajan-kirtan*), households also offer a variety of delicacies as *bhog* (sacred food offering) after worshipping Radha and Krishna. If you wish to prepare something special at home to offer to Radha Rani this Radha Ashtami, traditional offerings like *Makhan-Mishri* (fresh white butter and rock sugar) and *Dhaniya Panjiri* (coriander-based sweet) are excellent, easy choices.

The devotional traditions of the Braj region include the practice of offering *Makhan* (butter), *Mishri* (rock sugar), milk-based dishes, sweets, and fruits to Radha and Krishna. However, the specific offering considered most beloved by Radha Ji may vary according to the customs of different temples, sects, and families.

Here, we share an easy recipe for *Dhaniya Panjiri* that can be prepared at home using common ingredients and minimal time. We also discuss the key points to keep in mind when preparing the *bhog* for Radha Ashtami.

What is Radha Ji's favorite *bhog*?

Beliefs regarding what should be offered to Radha Rani vary across different Braj and Vaishnava traditions. *Sattvic* (pure) food items such as *Makhan-Mishri*, milk-based delicacies, sweets, fruits, and *Panjiri* are commonly offered during the worship of Lord Krishna and the divine couple, Radha-Krishna.

Preparing *Makhan-Mishri* at home is very simple; one can simply mix *Mishri* (rock sugar) into fresh white butter to create the offering. Additionally, *Dhaniya Panjiri* can be prepared as a *prasad* (sacred offering) for the worship.

Ingredients for making Radha Ashtami special *Dhaniya Panjiri*

To make *Dhaniya Panjiri* easily at home, you will need: 1 cup coriander powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar or *boora* (unrefined powdered sugar)
2-3 tablespoons *desi* ghee (clarified butter)
2 tablespoons *makhana* (fox nuts/lotus seeds)
1-2 tablespoons chopped cashews and almonds
1 tablespoon raisins
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
(Quantities can be adjusted according to your needs.)

How to make Dhaniya Panjiri?

Step 1- First, heat a little *desi* ghee in a pan.
Step 2- Add the *makhana* to it and roast until slightly crisp.
Step 3- Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 4- Once cooled, crush the roasted *makhana* coarsely.
Step 5- Now, add the remaining ghee to the same pan and roast the coriander powder over a low flame.
Step 6- Keep stirring continuously so that the coriander powder does not burn.

Step 7- Turn off the heat when a pleasant aroma arises and the color changes slightly.
Step 8- Allow the coriander mixture to cool down a bit. Then, add the *boora* or powdered sugar, roasted *makhana*, cashews, almonds, raisins, and cardamom powder, and mix everything well.

The special *bhog* (offering) of Dhaniya Panjiri for Radha Ashtami is ready.

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