The holy festival of Krishna Janmashtami is just around the corner, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This year, the festival will be observed on August 26-27, 2024, with devotees honoring Lord Krishna’s childhood avatar, Bal Gopal. The celebrations include fasting throughout the day, which is broken at midnight after offering prayers, performing an aarti, and presenting the traditional Chhappan Bhog to the deity.
What is Chhappan Bhog?
Chhappan Bhog is a sacred offering of 56 sattvic dishes presented to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami. These dishes represent all five tastes—sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and bitter—reflecting a balance of flavors that are believed to please the deity.
What is Included in Chhappan Bhog?
Chhappan Bhog comprises 56 different delicacies that are said to be Lord Krishna’s favorites. The selection typically includes a variety of sattvic (pure) dishes such as:
- Sweets: Makhan Mishri, Kheer, Rasgulla, Jeera Laddus, Jalebi, Rabdi, Malpua, Mohanbhog, Moong Dal Halwa, Ghevar, Peda, Sweet Rice, and Meethe Chawal.
- Snacks and Savories: Mathri, Chutney, Pakore, Tikki, Kachori, Bhujia, Papad, and Saag.
- Fruits and Nuts: Mango, Banana, Grapes, Apples, Plums, Raisins, Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios, Cardamoms.
- Main Dishes: Rice, Khichdi, Kadhi, Baingan ki Sabji, Dudhi ki Sabji, and Poori.
- Beverages: Coconut Water, Almond Milk, Chaach, Shikanji.
- Others: Ghee, Honey, White Butter, Fresh Cream, Panchamrit, Supari, Saunf, Paan.
The Story Behind Chhappan Bhog
The tradition of Chhappan Bhog originates from an incident during Krishna’s childhood. When the people of Braj prepared a grand ritual to honor Indra, the king of the heavens, Krishna questioned why they worshipped Indra for rain and suggested they honor Govardhan Mountain instead, which provided sustenance to the land.
Angered by this, Indra unleashed a storm that threatened to devastate Braj. In response, Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Mountain with his left hand, shielding the people and animals beneath it for seven days. During this time, Krishna did not eat. When the storm passed, the people realized Krishna had fasted for the entire week. In gratitude, they prepared 56 different dishes—eight for each of the seven days he fasted—and offered them to him, giving rise to the tradition of Chhappan Bhog.
To this day, devotees believe that offering Chhappan Bhog on Janmashtami pleases Lord Krishna and brings blessings, joy, and the fulfillment of wishes.