The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp throughout the country. On this day, temples and houses are decorated specially. People sing bhajans and kirtans. On this day, devotees observe a fast with full enthusiasm. On this special occasion, various types of dishes are offered to God. These are called 'Chhappan Bhog'. Chhappan Bhog includes sweets, namkeen, and drinks. Here you can see a confluence of every taste.
Devotees prepare these dishes with all their heart, decorate them, and offer them at the feet of God. This tradition is not just about food, but is also a symbol of love, devotion, and dedication. Decorating a plate of Chhappan Bhog on Janmashtami is considered a beautiful and sacred way for devotees to please their idol. In this, their emotions and faith are also associated with every dish. We will tell you where the tradition of offering Chhappan Bhog to Lord Krishna started. Also, we will know which dishes are included in the thali-
The tradition of offering fifty-six bhogs to Shri Krishna
It is said that once the people of Braj were preparing for a special puja to please the king of heaven, Indra. At that time, Lord Krishna asked Nand Baba why this puja was being done. So Nand Baba told that with this kind of worship, Devraj Indra will be happy. This will also bring good rain. On this, Bal Gopal said that it is the work of Indra Dev to rain, so why a special puja for it?
Angry, Indra Dev started the rain.
He said that if we have to worship, then we should respect Govardhan mountain. Because from that we get grains, fruits, vegetables, and fodder for animals. This statement of Lord Krishna touched the hearts of the people of Braj, and they worshiped Govardhan mountain instead of Indra. Seeing this, Indra Dev got angry. He started the heavy rain in Braj. Fearing the torrential rain, everyone reached Nand Baba.
Lord Krishna did not eat anything for seven days.
During that time, Shri Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan mountain on his little finger and asked everyone to come under it. It is said that Lord Krishna held the mountain without eating or drinking anything for seven days, until Devraj Indra stopped the rain. On the eighth day, when everything calmed down, the people of Braj remembered that Krishna had not eaten anything for so many days. Then they asked Mother Yashoda how many times Kanha is fed daily.
In this way, the people of Braj prepared Chhappan Bhog.
At that time Yashoda Maiyya said that she feeds Lalla eight times a day. After this, all the people of Braj prepared eight different dishes each time according to the seven days. Lord Krishna liked all these dishes very much. In this way, a total of 56 types of bhogs were prepared. After this, 56 bhogs were offered to Lord Krishna. Since then, the tradition of 'Chhappan Bhog' has been going on. It is believed that Lord Krishna is very happy with Chhappan Bhog.
These dishes are included in the Chhappan Bhog
Panjiri, butter-mishri, kheer, rasgulla, jalebi, rabri, cumin-laddu, malpua, Mohanbhog, moong dal halwa, ghevar, peda, cashew-almond barfi, pistachio barfi, panchamrit, cow ghee, sugar candy, mathri, chutney, jam, mango, banana, grapes, apple, plum, raisins, pakoras, greens, curd, rice, curry, chilla, papad, khichdi, brinjal curry, dudhi ki sabzi, puri, tikki, porridge, desi ghee, honey, white-butter, fresh cream, kachori, roti, coconut water, almond milk, buttermilk, shikanji, gram, sweet rice, bhujia, betel nut, fennel, betel leaf and nuts are included in the Chhappan Bhog.
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