Celebrating Govardhan Puja: The Tradition of Chhappan Bhog

Understanding Govardhan Puja and Chhappan Bhog

Chhappan Bhog Food Offerings for Govardhan Puja: The festival of Govardhan Puja takes place the day following Diwali, also referred to as Annakut. This occasion is marked by the offering of 56 different dishes, known as "Chhappan Bhog," to Lord Krishna. According to tradition, when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to protect the villagers from Lord Indra's fury, the people of Braj were unable to eat for a week. Once normalcy returned, they prepared and presented 56 dishes to express their gratitude, establishing a cherished tradition that continues today.

The variety of dishes included in the Chhappan Bhog is extensive, featuring a mix of sweets, savory items, fruits, and grains. Common offerings consist of puris, kheer, halwa, laddus, dahi-vada, papad, chutney, sev, namkeen, rabri, makhan-mishri, along with an assortment of fruits and vegetables. In certain regions, milk-based delicacies like mawa, peda, rasgulla, malpua, and doodhpuri are also part of the offerings. All these items are prepared using pure ghee and sattvic ingredients, emphasizing devotion and gratitude rather than mere enjoyment of flavors.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the 56 offerings:

Makkhan Mishri
Kheer
Rasgulla
Cumin Laddoo
Jalebi
Rabri
Mathri
Malpua
Mohanbhog
Chutney
Jammu
Saag
Curd
Rice
Dal
Kadi
Ghevar
Chila
Peda
Papad
Moong Dal Halwa
Pakora
Khichdi
Eggplant
Lauki
Puri
Almond Milk
Tikki
Cashews
Almonds
Pistachios
Cardamom
Panchamrit
Murabba
Shakarpada
Dalia
Ghee
Honey
Butter
Cream
Kachori
Roti
Coconut Water
Mango
Banana
Shikanji
Grapes
Apple
Plums
Raisins
Channa
Sweet Rice
Bhujia
Betel Nut
Fennel Seeds
Paan

The act of offering Chhappan Bhog during Govardhan Puja carries profound spiritual meaning. It is said that Lord Krishna has a special fondness for grains and delectable foods. This puja serves as a reminder that food transcends mere sustenance; it is a way to convey our appreciation to the divine. Additionally, the inclusion of various grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in the Chhappan Bhog symbolizes the importance of balance and diversity in life. On this auspicious day, devotees worship a representation of the Govardhan mountain in their homes or temples, followed by the distribution of Chhappan Bhog Prasad among everyone present.

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