Mumbai: Janmashtami, the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is marked with grand devotion and festivity across India. Temples and households come alive with special prayers, decorations, and devotional songs. Among the many customs associated with this auspicious day, one stands out for its unique significance — the tradition of offering 56 different food items, known as Chhappan Bhog, to Lord Krishna.
Many devotees know that on Janmashtami, Krishna is presented with 56 varieties of delicacies. But why exactly 56? Why not 50 or 100? The answer lies in a fascinating legend from Hindu mythology that has been passed down through generations, linking this tradition to Krishna’s divine act of protecting the people of Braj.
The legend behind Chhappan Bhog
According to ancient scriptures, the people of Braj once prepared to worship Lord Indra, the deity of rain, hoping for good showers and a bountiful harvest. Young Krishna asked his father, Nanda Baba, the reason behind this ritual. Nanda Baba explained that Indra was responsible for rainfall, which sustained crops and life. However, Krishna argued that they should instead worship Govardhan Hill, which provided fruits, vegetables, and fodder for their cattle. Convinced by Krishna, the villagers offered their prayers to Govardhan instead of Indra.
Angered by this, Indra unleashed torrential rains on Braj, causing floods and panic. To protect the villagers and their animals, Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger, sheltering everyone beneath it. For seven continuous days and nights, he held the hill aloft without eating a single morsel.
When the rains finally stopped and Indra’s fury subsided, the villagers realised that Krishna had gone without food for seven days. Traditionally, Mother Yashoda would feed him eight times a day. Out of love and gratitude, she and the people of Braj prepared 56 different dishes (eight meals a day for seven days) and offered them to Krishna. Since then, the offering of Chhappan Bhog has become an integral part of Janmashtami celebrations.
What’s included in the 56 Bhog?
The Chhappan Bhog is a lavish spread that includes sweets, savouries, fruits, grains, beverages, and dairy-based dishes. Popular items on the platter are makhan (butter), mishri (rock sugar), peda, ladoo, rabri, poori, kachori, halwa, khichdi, seasonal fruits, and cooling drinks. Each dish is prepared with devotion, symbolising the love and reverence devotees hold for Lord Krishna.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)