Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. It usually falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September) in the Hindu lunar calendar. Janmashtami 2023 will be observed on Wednesday, September 6, with Dahi Handi on Thursday, September 7.

One of the central aspects of Janmashtami celebrations is the preparation and offering of Bhog, which refers to the food offered to Lord Krishna during the festivities. As you celebrate Krishna Janmashtami 2023, we at LatestLY have bought some key items commonly included in the Bhog offered on the auspicious day. From Panjiri to Panchamrit, 6 Sweet Dishes To Add Flavours to the Hindu Festival Celebrating Lord Krishna’s Birth.

Makhan (Butter)

Lord Krishna is often depicted as a butter lover; therefore, butter or makhan is a significant part of the Bhog. Devotees prepare homemade butter or buy it to offer to the deity.

Milk and Milk Products

Milk and Milk Products (Photo Credits: PxFuel)

Various milk-based sweets and items such as kheer (rice pudding), rabri (sweet condensed milk), and yoghurt are prepared and offered.

Fruits

Fruits (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, grapes, and other seasonal fruits are offered. Lord Krishna is known for his love of fruits.

Sweets

Sweets (Photo Credits: freepik)

A wide variety of sweets are prepared for Janmashtami, including items like peda, barfi, ladoo, and sandesh.

Savouries

Mathri (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Along with sweets, savouries like samosas, mathri (also known as mathiya or mathari), and other snacks are also offered.

Chappan Bhog

Chappan Bhog (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

In some temples and households, a grand feast called "Chappan Bhog" is prepared, consisting of 56 different food items, each with its own significance.

Chaas (Buttermilk)

Buttermilk or chhachh is often included in the Bhog, as it is believed to have a cooling effect and is liked by Lord Krishna.

The Bhog is usually prepared with great devotion and purity and is offered to the deity in temples and households at midnight, as it is believed that Lord Krishna was born then. After the offerings are made, the Bhog is distributed as Prasad to devotees, symbolizing the blessings and divine grace of Lord Krishna. Janmashtami is a joyous occasion for devotees to come together, sing devotional songs, and celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with devotion and enthusiasm.

Wishing everyone a Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2023!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2023 09:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).