Chappan Bhog and beyond: A Janmashtami menu inspired by Krishna's Leela

Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is a vibrant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. This auspicious occasion is observed with fasting, prayers and a grand feast known as Chappan Bhog. The theme of Krishna Leela in the celebrations of Janmashtami reflects the playful and mischievous nature of the young Lord Krishna or Laddu Gopal.

Chappan Bhog: The beginning of the feast

The Chappan Bhog, or 56 offerings, is the start of the Janmashtami feast. The Chappan Bhog includes a diverse range of dishes, both sweet and savoury, made from various ingredients. Some of the popular items often found in the Chappan Bhog include:

• Sweet Dishes: Kheer, Malai Ladoo, Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Jalebi, Ghevar, Payasam, Sandesh, Barfi
• Savoury Dishes: Aloo Tikki, Puri, Dhokla, Pakora, Uttapam, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Chutney, Kadhi Pakora
• Other Dishes: Panchamrit (a mixture of five nectars), Shankhpushpi (a flower offered to Krishna), Tulsi leaves

Let's explore two popular Chappan Bhog dishes that you can make at home:

1. Kheer

Kheer is a creamy rice pudding that is a staple in Indian cuisine. It is made with rice, milk, sugar, and often flavuored with cardamom or saffron.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 liters Godrej Jersey Full Cream milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron

Instructions

1. Wash the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, combine the milk and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft.
3. Add the sugar and cardamom powder. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the kheer thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Stir in the saffron.
6. Serve warm or chilled.

2. Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian sweet made from milk solids, sugar, and cardamom. It is deep-fried and then soaked in  sweet syrup.

Ingredients

• 1 cup khoya (milk solids)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup water
• Oil for deep-frying
• Sugar syrup

Instructions

1. Combine the khoya, flour, baking powder, cardamom powder, and water in a bowl. Knead into a dough.
2. Divide the dough into small balls.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan.
4. Fry the balls until golden brown.
5. Remove the balls from the oil and soak them in the gulab jamun syrup for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve warm.

Krishna's favourite: Makhan Mishri

Makhan mishri, a delectable combination of pure butter and rock sugar, holds a special place in the heart of Lord Krishna. Known for his love of butter, Krishna is often depicted stealing makhan (butter) from the gopis' homes.

A taste of Barsana: Lassi

Barsana, a quaint village in Uttar Pradesh, is closely associated with Janmashtami celebrations. It is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna's beloved Radha. The people of Barsana are known for their love of lassi, a refreshing yogurt-based drink.

Recipe for Barsana-Style Lassi

Ingredients

• 1 cup thick, creamy yogurt (preferably Godrej Jersey curd for its rich texture)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Ice cubes
• A pinch of black pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the curd, water, sugar, cardamom powder and ice cubes.
2. Blend until smooth and frothy.
3. If desired, add a pinch of black pepper for a spicy twist.
4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

Colours of Janmashtami: A vibrant palette

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour, and the colours play a significant role in enhancing the festive atmosphere. The colours yellow, blue, red and green are particularly associated with Janmashtami.

To incorporate these colours into your Janmashtami feast, consider the following dish ideas:

1. Saffron-infused rice: Add a pinch of saffron to your rice to give it a vibrant yellow hue.
2. Beetroot-hued sweets: Use beetroot extract or puree to colour your sweets a beautiful pink or red.
3. Green vegetable pulao: Include plenty of green vegetables like peas, spinach or green beans in your pulao.
4. Orange-hued fruits: Incorporate orange fruits like mangoes or papayas into desserts or lassi.

Do you know of any other Janmashtami related recipes? Let us know in the comments.