Janmashtami The Traditional Celebration 2023

 

"FOOD FOOD JUNCTION"

Janmashtami .

Author: Rana Sharma.

Janmashtami The Traditional Celebration 2023.

India is the place that is known for celebrations, and Janmashtami is one of the most famous and dynamic among all. It is a yearly Hindu festival held commonly during the long periods of August and September. The celebration is decorated with a few names, like Krishna Janmashtami, Krishnashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Gokulashtami, or just Janmashtami. It praises the introduction of Master Krishna, the eighth symbol or manifestation of Ruler Vishnu, making the day a milestone for devotees of the Vaishnavism custom of Hinduism.

 

 

Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered one of the most significant and beloved deities in Hinduism. The date of Janmashtami varies each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but it usually falls in the month of August or September. In 2023, Janmashtami is expected to be celebrated on September 2nd.

Here's an overview of the traditional celebration of Janmashtami in 2023:

Fasting: Many devout Hindus observe a fast on Janmashtami, which typically lasts until midnight when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born. Some people choose to fast completely, while others may consume only fruits, milk, or light meals during the day.

Decorations: Homes and temples are often adorned with colorful decorations, including flower garlands, rangoli (decorative designs made with colored powders), and decorative lamps. Pictures and idols of Lord Krishna are also beautifully decorated.

Midnight Vigil: The most significant part of Janmashtami celebrations is the midnight vigil, which marks the exact time of Lord Krishna's birth. Devotees gather at temples, sing bhajans (devotional songs), and read or narrate stories from the life of Lord Krishna. At the stroke of midnight, aarti (ritual offering of light) is performed, and the deity is bathed in milk, honey, and water.

Dahi Handi: In some parts of India, especially in Maharashtra, a popular tradition called "Dahi Handi" takes place. It involves creating a human pyramid to reach and break a pot (handi) filled with buttermilk or yogurt. This reenacts a playful episode from Lord Krishna's childhood when he and his friends used to steal butter and curd from neighboring homes.

Devotional Singing and Dancing: Throughout the day, devotees engage in bhajans and kirtans (devotional songs) dedicated to Lord Krishna. In temples and homes, people participate in traditional dances like the Raslila, a reenactment of Krishna's divine dance with the gopis (milkmaids) of Vrindavan.

Feasting: After the midnight puja (prayer) and rituals, devotees break their fast with a special meal, which often includes a variety of dishes made with milk and dairy products, as Lord Krishna was fond of them. Sweets like makhan mishri (butter and sugar), poha (flattened rice), and various kinds of sweets are prepared and shared among friends and family.

Visiting Temples: Devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Krishna to offer their prayers and seek his blessings. Many temples have special decorations and events to mark this auspicious occasion.

Cultural Performances: In some regions, cultural programs, dramas, and plays depicting the life of Lord Krishna are organized for entertainment and to educate people about his teachings and divine leelas (miracles).

Janmashtami is a time for devotion, joy, and celebration in Hindu communities across the world. It provides an opportunity for people to strengthen their spiritual connection with Lord Krishna and to come together as a community to celebrate his divine birth.

History of Janmashtami.

The history of Janmashtami is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and centers around the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The story of Lord Krishna's birth is described in various Hindu scriptures, primarily in the two epic texts, the Bhagavata Purana and the Mahabharata. Here is a summary of the history of Janmashtami:

Birth of Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna, also known as Shri Krishna, Vasudeva Krishna, or Gopal, is believed to be the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. He was born in the city of Mathura, in the region of Vrindavan, to King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki. However, Devaki's brother, the evil King Kansa, imprisoned them due to a prophecy that predicted the demise of Kansa at the hands of Devaki's eighth child.

Divine Birth: On the night of Janmashtami, the divine event took place. Lord Krishna was born at midnight in the prison cell where Devaki and Vasudeva were held captive. The moment of his birth is marked by great celestial phenomena, including thunderstorms and the ringing of divine bells. It is said that Lord Krishna's appearance was exceptionally beautiful and divine.

Miraculous Escape: To protect the newborn Krishna from Kansa's wrath, Vasudeva carried him across the flooded Yamuna River to the village of Gokul. This journey is commemorated in the popular story of "Krishna's Raas Leela," where the infant Krishna helped Vasudeva miraculously cross the river.

Childhood and Youth: Lord Krishna grew up in Gokul and Vrindavan, where he performed various divine leelas (miracles) and played his flute, attracting the love and devotion of the local gopis (milkmaids) and gopas (cowherds). His childhood adventures, including defeating demons and his playful acts, are widely celebrated and form a significant part of his mythology.

Teachings and Contributions: Lord Krishna's life and teachings are expounded in the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text within the Mahabharata. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna imparts profound wisdom and guidance to the warrior prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. His teachings encompass various aspects of life, duty, ethics, and devotion.

Janmashtami, therefore, celebrates the divine birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the embodiment of love, wisdom, and divinity. It is a time for devotees to reflect on his teachings, engage in devotional practices, and immerse themselves in the joyful celebrations that mark this auspicious occasion. Krishna's life and teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world, making Janmashtami one of the most significant and beloved festivals in Hinduism.

Bhogs of Janmashtami:

56 Bhog for Janmashtami

The evening of Janmashtami, these contributions incorporate various delightful things, for example,

1.  Makkhan mishri
2. Jalebi
3. Rabri
4. Mathri
5. Malpua
6. Kheer
7. Rasgulla
8. Jeera laddoo
9. Mohanbhog
10. Chutney
11. Murabba
12. Ghewar
13. Chila
14. Peda
15. Papad
16. Saag
17. Curd
18. Rice
19. Dal
20. Kadi
21. Moong dal ka halwa
22. Pakoda
23. Khichadi
24. Brinjal
25. Bottle gourd
26. Poori
27. Almond milk
28. Dalia
29. Ghee
30. Honey
31. Margarine
32. Malai
33. Kachori
34. Roti
35. Coconut water
36. Mango
37. Tikkis
38. Cashews
39. Almonds
40. Pistachios
41. Elaichi
42. Panchamrut
43. Murabba
44. Shakkarpaara
45. Banana
46. Shikanji
47. Grapes
48. Apple
49. Plum
50. Raisins
51. Channa
52. Sweet Rice
53. Bhujia
54. Supaari
55. Saunf
56. Paan

These 56 items are usually arranged on a large platter or thali and offered to the deity in a ritualistic manner. After the offering, the prasad (blessed food) is distributed among devotees as a sign of divine blessings. The 56 Bhog is a symbol of devotion and a way for devotees to express their love and reverence for Lord Krishna.

It's important to note that the specific items and traditions surrounding the 56 Bhog can vary from one temple or household to another, so you may find slight variations in the offerings and customs depending on local traditions and preferences.

Last but not the least that is "Taler Bora" or "Sugar Palm Fritters"

"Taler Bora" or "Sugar Palm Fritters" are a delightful and traditional Bengali snack made from the pulp of the sugar palm fruit, also known as the "Taal" or "Tal" fruit. These fritters are particularly popular and enjoyed during auspicious festivals like Janmashtami in Bengal. The taste of Taler Bora is sweet, aromatic, and slightly crispy on the outside, making them a delicious treat for devotees and celebrants.

Here's how Taler Bora is typically prepared and what gives them their unique taste:

 

 

Ingredients:

Sugar palm fruit pulp (Tal or Taal)

Rice flour or semolina (sooji)

Sugar

Grated coconut (optional)

Cardamom powder

Oil for frying

 Preparation:

 Start by extracting the pulp from the sugar palm fruit. This can be done by breaking

open the fruit and collecting the soft, jelly-like pulp from inside.

In a bowl, mix the sugar palm pulp, rice flour or semolina, sugar, grated coconut (if desired), and a pinch of cardamom powder. The exact measurements can vary depending on personal preference, but you'll want a sticky dough-like consistency. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai.

 

Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small rounds or patties. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly.

Carefully slide these fritters into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature to ensure that the fritters cook evenly and don't absorb too much oil.

Once they are done, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Taler Bora can be served hot or at room temperature.

The unique taste of Taler Bora comes from the natural sweetness of the sugar palm fruit pulp, which is enhanced by the addition of sugar and the fragrant cardamom powder. The rice flour or semolina adds a slight crispiness to the fritters, making them a delightful snack that is especially enjoyed during festive occasions like Janmashtami.

These fritters are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a way for devotees to celebrate Lord Krishna's love for sweets and his association with the lush landscapes of Vrindavan, where palm trees are abundant.

🙏  May your life be honored with adoration, satisfaction, and inward peacefulness on this favorable Janmashtami. On this Janmashtami, embrace Ruler Krishna's dedication to feel the blessed satisfaction. 🙏

Thanking You

Yours Foodie Friend 

Rana.