Prasad Inspired Dessert Ideas for Guru Nanak Jayanti Pure No Maida and Easy to Make
Written by jheelum basu | October 31, 2025
Celebrated by the people of the Sikh community across the world, Guru Nanak Jayanti is a sacred and pious day. The day not only celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak,
the founder of Sikhism, and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. It also reiterates the importance of his teachings on communal harmony, equality, and kindness. And, sweets are an inseparable attribute of Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations.
‘Sattvik’ (virtuous, pure) sweets often represent the core values of Sikhism, as the usage of pure and simple ingredients
carries the core principles of purity and simplicity. Ingredients like ghee, milk, sugar, jaggery, nuts, and dry fruits are generously used in the
prasad-inspired desserts for the festival.
Keeping pure ingredients and mindful preparation at the core of the process, items like Chana Dal Halwa, Atte ka Sheera, and Makhana Kheer are popularly prepared during Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations.
Chana Dal Halwa
On the sacred occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Chana dal halwa is often prepared as a traditional sweet dish. Made with love and pure devotion, this halwa is also an important part of the communal kitchen
(langar) menu served to all the attendees on this pious occasion. Representing Nanak’s core principles of equality, harmony, and selfless service, this offering is served equally to everyone regardless of their status or background. The sweet dish with a creamy, pudding-like consistency is made from chana dal (chickpeas), ghee, sugar, milk, cardamom powder, saffron, and some pistachios for garnishing.
2. Atte Ka Sheera (Kada Prasad)
Atte ka sheera, also known as Kada Prasad, is a crucial part of Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations. Being a symbol of Nanak’s teachings on equality, love, and devotion, everyone visiting the Gurudwara on this auspicious occasion receives this sweet as a sacred offering.
To prepare Kada Prasad, use equal parts of whole wheat flour (atta), ghee, sugar, and double the amount of water. For garnishing, almond flakes can be used.
3. Makhana Kheer
Makhana (fox nut) kheer is another popular sweet dish prepared during special occasions like Guru Nanak Jayanti. The dessert made with all healthy and nutritious ingredients has a creamy, luscious texture and tastes delicious. Although it is not included in the religious offerings at the Gurudwaras, Makhana Kheer is an absolute delight, often prepared by Indian households to celebrate the true essence of the festival.
Makhana kheer is made from milk, makhana (puffed lotus seeds or fox nuts), sugar, ghee, and nuts. The recipe is quite similar to traditional rice kheer. However, makahans bring in all the differences here, resulting in a creamy, light consistency.
4. Dates And Nut Ladoo
While Besan Laddoos often rule the festive sweets platter in India, this simple, easy-to-make alternative has also gained popularity as a commonly made sweet treat for religious festivals. Guru Nanak Jayanti is not an exception as well.
While the traditional laddoo recipes are full of sugar and ghee, this healthy recipe is made with chopped nuts and seeds, all merged with the natural sweetness of dates. To make these balls full of natural goodness, start by chopping nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews and lightly roasting them. Next, add finely chopped dates and mix all the ingredients well on medium heat. Let it cool slightly, and then shape the mixture into small balls and garnish them with shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
5. Almond Flour Barfi
In India, festivals and barfis go hand in hand, as they never fail to bring that inherent flavor of festivities. It is a common choice for Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations as well. The original recipe includes flour (maida), condensed milk, milk powder, sugar, ghee, nuts, etc. However, this alternate version replaces maida with almond flour. To make it even healthier, the other ingredients, like butter and sugar, can be replaced with vegan butter and jaggery as well. This Guru Nanak Jayanti, try this no-maida recipe and enjoy guilt-free festive desserts.
Celebrate the true ‘saatvik’ spirit of Guru Nanak Jayanti with these prasad-inspired sweet delicacies. Cause what else can uplift the festive spirit of Nanak Jayanti other than the sweets made following the great spiritual leader’s teachings?