Shree Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most important festival for Hindus, and this year it will be celebrated on August 26. On this day, devotees observe a fast and worship Lord Krishna with great devotion. After the midnight birth of Lord Krishna, a special offering of 56 types of delicacies, known as 'Chhappan Bhog,' is made for him. It is believed that Lord Krishna is pleased with these offerings and fulfills the wishes of his devotees.
Know how the tradition of Chhappan Bhog began and the mythological story behind it.
The Mythological Story Behind Chhappan Bhog:
According to Hindu mythology, during Lord Krishna's childhood, he lived with his foster mother, Yashoda, who would feed him eight times a day with her own hands to ensure that he was well-fed. Once, the people of Braj were preparing for a grand ceremony to please Indra, the god of rain. Curious, Krishna asked Nanda Baba why they were conducting this ceremony. Nanda Baba explained that it was to appease Indradev, so he would grant good rainfall and a bountiful harvest.
However, Krishna questioned the need to worship Indradev, whose duty was to provide rain, and suggested that they should instead worship Govardhan Hill, which provided them with fruits, vegetables, and fodder for their cattle. The people found Krishna's argument logical and decided to worship Govardhan instead of Indra.
Feeling insulted, Indradev became furious and released heavy rains on Braj. Water flooded everywhere, and the people were in great distress. Krishna then advised everyone to seek shelter under Govardhan Hill. Krishna, with his little finger, lifted the entire hill to protect the people of Braj from Indradev's wrath. Krishna held up the hill for seven days and nights without eating or drinking anything.
When the rain finally stopped on the eighth day and the people emerged from under Govardhan Hill, they realised that Krishna had gone without food for an entire week while saving them. To express their gratitude, Mother Yashoda and the people of Braj prepared 56 different types of delicious dishes, accounting for eight meals a day over seven days. Thus, the tradition of offering Chhappan Bhog to Lord Krishna began.
What is Included in Chhappan Bhog?
The 56 delicacies offered to Lord Krishna typically include a variety of dishes such as rice, soup, chutney, curry, dahi shak ki kadhi (yoghurt curry), sikharan, sharbat, balka, ikshu, batak, mathri, fenni, puri, khajla, ghevar, malpua, chola, jalebi, mesu, rasgulla, thuli, laungpuri, khurma, dalia, parikha, saunf (fennel)-flavored bilsaru, laddoo, saag, adhauna achar (pickle), moth, kheer, curd, butter, cream, rabri, papad, cow ghee, seera, lassi, suvat, mohan, supari (betel nut), cardamom, fruits, tambool, mohan bhog, lavan (salt), kashaya, madhur (sweet), tikta (bitter), katu (pungent), and amla (sour).
This extensive offering symbolises the devotion and love of the people of Braj for Lord Krishna, and it is believed that presenting Chhappan Bhog to him brings blessings and prosperity to the devotees.
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