- Submitted by Raji Ramakrishnan and Vijaylakshmi
(Sree Krishna Jayanthi Recipes, Krishnashtami Recipes, Gokulashtami Recipes, Ashtami Rohini Recipes)
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In the month of August, we have an important and endearing festival, the Krishna Janmashtami or Krishna jayanthi. Endearing, because “Krishna” stands for mischief, love, friendship, kindness, magnanimous, wisdom and what not. There’s practically none in the country who does not know about lord Krishna. Lord Krishna was born on the 8th day (ashtami) from the full moon day in the “sravana” (aavani in Tamil) month of the Hindu calendar. Hence, the festival is named as Krishna Janmashtami.
Lord Krishna is the 8th incarnation or avatar of Vishnu, the protector of the universe. The reason for his incarnation was to destroy the growing sins and establish the “dharma” or righteousness in the world. HE did not establish it using his eternal powers but by living a life of a human and taught us the way to live and lead life. Such is the glory of Lord Krishna. The “Ras-leela” text mentions the complete story and description of Krishna’s birth at Mathura in UP and his childhood in Vrindavan. Each of the stories is so elaborate and interesting that one can enjoy the essence of it only on reading. In my opinion, all I have to say is that, every woman in the country, irrespective of whether she has a child or not, is a mother, as deep in her mind and soul she has a maternal instinct towards lord Krishna.
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in many ways in our country as per the culture and tradition. In Tamilnadu, people decorate the floor with kolams or rangolis and draw small foot prints from the entrance to the pooja room. It depicts the belief that Little Krishna has arrived into our house. We also dress up the smallest child in the family as Krishna. In Maharashtra, a big event called as Dahi handi is celebrated which involves making of a human pyramid and break the pot (Handi) filled with curd (dahi in Hindi). This event is based on the belief that Lord Krishna who loves butter and curd has arrived and breaks the pot to eat the curd. However these days, this even has become more political and commercial. Popular Krishna temples like Mathura, Vrindavan, dwarka, Udupi, Guruvayoor, puri and many more have pompous celebrations of Janmashtami.
PRASAD or NEIVADYAM or offering to the lord:
Krishna, who is called the “Makhan chor”(One who steals butter) loves butter, curd, milk and poha( beaten rice). Along with these, we also prepare some sweet and savories for the lord. Some of them that I have done are: Paal poli, Rava kesari, Rava ladoo, Maa ladoo, Milk peda, nei payasam, Paal khova, aval puttu,Uppu cheedai, vella cheedai, Thattai, and murukku . We can make either any one or 2-3 items as offering but what is more important is the devotion or the bhakti into it. Enjoy this Krishna Janmashtami and may Lord Krishna shower all blessings on each and every one of us.
Krishna Jayanthi Special Recipes
Other Snacks and Sweets
Payasam (Kheer) Varieties