Janmashtami A Celebration of the Virtuous One

Janmashtami : A Celebration of the Virtuous One When one mentions Janmashtami, it is instantly known that it is Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu was born on ashtami, the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, the dark fortnight of Bhadrapad. This period typically falls in August/September of the Gregorian calendar. His elder brother, Balram too was an incarnation and was the son of Vasudev and Rohini, his first wife. The name Krishna has Sanskrit origins which means ‘dark’, ‘black’ or ‘dark blue’ and is sometimes also interpreted as ‘all attractive’. Lord Krishna has beautiful features, a calm countenance and still is capable of handling challenges. He has also been a friend, philosopher and guide to Arjuna. The Bhagavad Gita and the lessons he told Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra hold true even now, making him a true leader. One such famous sermon is “Perform your duty without staying attached to its outcomes” Janmashtami Celebrations Janmashtami is the largest festival celebrated in Mathura where it is believed he was born and in Vrindavan, where he grew up. The festival is also celebrated with great fervour among devout Hindus and Vaishnavites in particular. Devotees throng Krishna temples to seek the blessings of the Supreme Godhead. Bhajan mandals and individuals chant ‘Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna- Krishna Hare Hare, xHare Ram, Hare Ram, Ram-Ram Hare Hare’, while dancing rhythmically to the chants, or singing devotional bhajans and some others participate in enacting the life of Lord Krishna. Some communities also organise dance-drama events that are called Raas Leelas. Some Krishna devotees also organise poojas at home to usher in the birth of Lord Krishna. During this time they fast, chant and sing devotional bhajans throughout the night till the time of the birth. After Lord Krishna’s birth at the stroke of midnight, small idols of the deity are bathed in milk, adorned with clothes, flowers/garlands, jewellery, teeka and a puja is performed. ‘Bhog’ or sacred offerings are made to the Lord and thus the celebrations continue. Following this, devotees break their fast and share food and sweets with one another. Offerings to Lord Krishna The Maakhan Chor, as he was affectionately called during his childhood, was immensely fond of milk and milk products, so much so that he would steal it from his neighbours. The devout make the following five offerings to the Lord on this day. Makhan Mishri - This is a simple offering that is Lord’s favourite and is made of white butter and rock sugar (rock candy or sugar candy). Dhaniya Panjiri - A coriander-powder and nuts-based dish that even those fasting on this day can have. The powder can be rolled into a laddoo too. Charnamrit - Also called Pachamrut, the Charnamrit is essentially tirth of milk, ghee, curd, honey, jaggery with tulsi and makhana in some cases. Kheer - A milk-based pudding with dry fruits, fox seeds or sago is typically made on this day. Laddoo - Rava laddoo, panchmewa laddoo and poha laddoo are made on this day too (usually in southern India alongwith murukku) While the above dishes are the Lord’s favourite, most of us cook various sweet dishes too. Each year, you probably have been buying the sweets. How about preparing some of these dishes: Khoya Layered Barfi The ultimate recipe that will leave your family super impressed. This layered khoya barfi has delectable flavours of the coconut and cardamom in one and saffron and cardamom in the other. The Khoya Layered Barfi is a visual treat with the lovely rose petals layering the base. https://www.foodfood.com/recipedetails/khoya-layered-barfi Angoori Rabdi One of the most popular sweets liked by all age-groups, the Angoori Rabdi is a wonderful union of two extremely delectable desserts. One, the rasgulla and the other, rabdi. The Angoori Rabdi has small grape-sized rasgullas in thick, flavoured milk that is then garnished with slivered dry fruits and rose petals. One look at it, and all will be eager to have many servings of this fabulous recipe. https://www.foodfood.com/recipedetails/angoori-rabdi Apple Kheer Sometimes the best often comes from simple ingredients, like this Apple Kheer. A thick apple kheer with a rose syrup garnish adds to the aromatic flavour from cardamom. This flavourful and delicious kheer takes very little time to cook. One of the best sweets to make even when some family members are fasting. https://www.foodfood.com/recipedetails/apple-kheer Dry Fruit Laddoo A rich and nutritious dessert, when you are falling short of time but are a fan of dry fruits. The khoya adds an interesting texture to the laddoos, while the roasted dry fruits lend a delightful crunch along with the wonderful elaichi flavour. https://www.foodfood.com/recipedetails/dry-fruit-laddoos May the Lord Shower All his Blessings on Us !! Hare Krishna !!