Janmashtami celebrations have already begun in India in full swing. According to legends, Lord Krishna was born on a stormy night of the Shravana month. On the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksa (dark fortnight). Janmashtami 2019 date is August 23-24. The birth of one of the most revered gods in Hinduism isn’t going to be a low-key affair in the country. A wide variety of celebrations, from breaking the dahi handi to decorating the jhula, constitute the festivities. Lord Krishna was a known bon vivant with a love for food. Stories of him ganging up with his playmates to steal maakhan or butter are well-known. On the occasion of his birth on Gokulashtami, a list of 56 food items are offered to Lord Krishna. This set of delicacies together is known as the Chappan Bhog, where chappan stands for the number 56 and bhog means food or offering. Here’s what you need to know. Janmashtami 2019 Prasad Recipe: Make Makhan Mishri Bhog Easily at Home to Offer Lord Krishna on Gokulashtami (Watch Video).
What is Chappan Bhog?
Chappan bhog is an offering comprising 56 food items. Each item on the plate is favourite of Lord Krishna himself. Every year during Janmashtami, devotees throng Mathura – the birthplace of Lord Krishna – to offer Chappan Bhog to their favourite god.
A mind-bogglingly huge thali comprising 56 items are offered as prasad. Why did this tradition start in the first place? Here’s the story behind Chappan Bhog.
According to mythological accounts, a huge storm had once lashed upon Braj. The villagers had stopped performing pujas to appease Lord Indra, on Lord Krishna’s behest, and had thus incurred his wrath. So he sent a torrential downpour. Janmashtami 2019: Makhan Mishri Health Benefits; Why Lord Krishna’s Favourite Bhog Is Good for Your Health.
To save the inhabitants from the downpour, Lord Krishna lifted up Mount Govardhana on his tiny finger like an umbrella. The inhabitants of the village stood under it for seven days, sheltered by the mighty Govardhana. On the eighth day when the rains stopped, the villagers expressed their gratitude towards Krishna by offering him a “mountain of food.” The Lord had after all not eaten anything for eight days.
The number 56 is significant because the villagers multiplied the eight meals a day with eight days. The resultant number is chappan or 56.
What Are the Food Items in Chappan Bhog?
Chappan Bhog constitutes chutneys, pickles, curries, rice items, dairy products and other desserts. Here’s a complete list:
1) Spinach subzi
2) Curd
3) Kheer
4) Rice
5) Rasgulla
6) Rabri
7) Mathi
8) Daal
9) Chutney
10) Kadi
11) Malpua
12) murabba
13) Shakkarpaara
14) Ghewar
15) Chila
16) Jalebi
17) Papad
18) Dalia
19) Laddoo
20) Ghee
21) Honey
22) Mohanbhog
23) Mathha (butter milk)
24) Lassi
25) Butter
26) Malai
27) Moong Dal Ka Halwa
28) Khichadi
29) Pakode
30) Brinjal
31) Lauki
32) Coconut chutney
33) Poori
34) Kachori
35) Roti
36) Badam Milk
37) Coconut water
38) Mango
39) Banana
40) Shkanjvi
41) Grapes
42) Apple
43) Plum
44) Cashew nuts
45) Almonds
46) Raisins
47) Pistachios
48) Grams
49) Tikki
50) Rice dessert
51) Bhujia
52) Mint chutney
53) Saunf
54) Paan
55) Supaari
56) Illaichi
Although the actual dishes may change from region to region, these are the standard dishes for chappan bhog. The mega thaali is a mix of sweets and savouries. The bhog is kept in front of the God’s idol. The dairy and sweet dishes, which are the favourite of Lord Krishna, are often placed closer to the idol.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2019 03:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).