Govardhan Puja, the auspicious puja, is done to honor Lord Krishna one day after the Diwali festival. It is dedicated to the story when Lord Krishna lifted up the whole Govardhan mountain on his finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from heavy rains caused by Lord Indra, the God of rain.
It’s because of this that a mountain of food is prepared to symbolize the lifting of the mountain on Krishna’s finger. It’s also said that Lord Krishna used to have 8 meals a day and in the process of lifting the hill, it took him 7 days.
Therefore, 56 bhog items are prepared to offer to Lord Krishna to please him and quench his hunger, the ritual known as Chappan Bhog.
Govardhan Puja & Significance Of Annakut
To contemplate the Govardhan Puja vidhi, Annakut is prepared (a mountain of food consisting of 56 items). It means that large quantities of food or eatables are prepared in order to offer them to Lord Krishna. It’s considered sacred, and the puja is considered complete only if this ritual is performed.
The devotees wear Radha name Tulsi Mala and wear the traditional attire this day, taking a holy bath so as to prepare themselves for the Govardhan Puja. The Puja is mostly done in North India, in regions like Mathura, Vrindavan, and the Braj, where Krishna is believed to have lived.
If you are also someone who is going to do Govardhan Puja at your home or temple and are still not clear about which dishes you can consider preparing, then here are some of the best dishes to look at:
1. Jeera Aloo
It’s the most simple yet delicious food to prepare for Lord Krishna. Made with the boiled potatoes, tossed in ghee, cumin seeds and mild spices, this dry sabzi really tempts Lord Krishna when offered in Chappan Bhog.
2. Ghee-Bhat
Ghee Bhat is also called clarified butter rice or aromatic ghee rice. The recipe is very tempting and the best for Annakut offerings. Just prepare it in Satvik style or using slight spices such as cloves, cardamom or bay leaves to add to the flavor.
3. Kheer (Rice Pudding)
For a sweet item, kheer is something that must not be missed. In fact, no festival is complete without kheer, a bowl of creamy, cardamom kheer made from thick milk, rice, sugar and your choice of dried fruits.
Not only just because of the taste, but it is offered to Lord Krishna because it is one of his favorites.
4. Malpua
Another sweet item called deep-fried pancakes is also a holy dish to prepare for Lord Krishna. The pancakes are soaked in the sugar syrup and flavored with cardamom and saffron.
A very tempting and yummy recipe is prepared specially at the time of Govardhan Puja, as it’s loved by all.
5. Seviyan Kheer
Who can forget Seviyan Kheer when prepping up the dishes for Lord Krishna?. A kind of spaghetti pudding made with milk, sugar and dried fruits is very delicious and is dear to Lord Krishna.
The creamy texture and its delicate sweetness make it a wonderful addition to the Chappan Bhog dessert list.
6. Peda
Peda should not be forgotten when thinking of items for 56 bhog for Lord Krishna. It’s basically a milk-based sweet offered in temples, especially in Vrindavan, Lord Krishna’s place. One can prepare this food item using khoya, sugar and cardamom to offer it in Annakut.
7. Puri
Puri is made using wheat and is deep-fried in oil to give it a golden and puffy look. This one namkeen item is also considered best to be offered in Annakut.
It’s because Puris are a staple in all Indian festivities and are offered with halwa and other savory dishes like Chana Masala.
Thus, these are some dishes you should think about incorporating into your chappan bhog ritual or when following the Annakut tradition. Lord Krishna appreciates the love and effort you put into making food for him; therefore, prepare it with love and genuine devotion because making food for our beloved deity is the greatest feeling in the world.
Final Thoughts
So, while the idea of preparing the mountain of food in the form of chappan bhog is really heartwarming, the main ingredient in your food is the love you put in it.
It’s not about the 56 items but even if you prepare 6-7 with unbeatable love and devotion, that would be counted as your true sewa or puja.
So, do it with heart! Hare Krishna
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