Sweetened Rice
Chappan Bhog
-Rohit Kumar Parmar [1]
As per Bhagavata Purana, to save people from drowning due to widespread torrential rains because of the fury of God Indra, Lord Krishna called everyone to Govardhan Parvat and lifted it on this little finger, so that everyone can take refuge under it. He stood still holding the mountain for 7 days until Lord Indra realised his mistake and cleared the rain.
On Goverdhan Puja day, devotees circumambulate Goverdhan Parbat, a 21 km walk/ trek, with several temples on the route.
During these seven days when Lord Krishna held the mountain on his little finger, he did not eat a single grain of food, against the 8 dishes he ate every day. Therefore, at the end of the seventh day, people of Vrindavan cook 56 dishes (8 dishes per day) and offer it to him as gratitude.
On Govardhan/ Annakut Puja, devotees cook and offer 56 dishes, called Chhappan bhog,[2] to Lord Krishna as a mark of gratitude. There are versions of what constitutes chappan bhog.
The first version of chappan bhog is
7 types of cereals
7 types of fruits
7 types of dryfruits
7 vegetables
7 sweets
7 natural drinks
7 namkeen
7 sauces or pickles
Seven types of Fruits
The second version of chappan bhog is
16 types of namkeen dishes
20 types of sweets
20 types of dry/ fruit
The third version with an alternate grouping is
Snacks (7)
Bhujia, Kachori, Pakode, Papad, Mathri, Shakkar Para, Tikki,
Chatnis (3)
Pudina chutney, Coconut chutney, Murabba,
Vegetables/ Curries (6)
Brinjal sabji, Channa, Dal, Kadi, Lauki sabji, Saag,
Cereal/Grain (7)
Chila, Dalia, Khichadi, Poori, Rice, Roti, Sweetened Rice
Sweets (11)
Ghevar, Jalebi, Jeera Laddus, Kheer, Makhan Mishri, Malpua, Mohanbhog, Moong Dal Halwa, Peda, Rabdi, Rasgulla,
Ghevar
Dry fruits (4)
Almonds, Cashew nuts, Pistachios, Raisins,
Fruits (5)
Apples, Banana, Grapes, Mango, Plums,
Drinks (5)
Badam milk, Coconut water, Mathha, Lassi, Shikanjvi
Other Milk Preparations (4)
Curd, Ghee, Honey, Malai,
Mouth freshener/ digestive (4)
Illaichi, Paan, Saunf, Supaari
[1] Author, Freelance, Indian Economic Service, Senior Economic Adviser (Retired), Government of India, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and former Adviser (P 4) UNDP, Yemen has in posts
on his website (https://rohitkparmar.wixsite.com/site),
YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@rohitkparmar),
X (formerly twitter) (https://twitter.com/rohitkparmar?s=09),
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/rohit.parmar.5268750/),
been writing/ sharing varied topics and
can be reached at rohitkparmar@yahoo.com.
[2] Taking after 56 or chappan bhog (dishes), there are several sweet shops and/or restaurants in India, named as chappan bhog.
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