Discover the top destinations in India to celebrate Janmashtami and learn the fascinating story behind the Chappan Bhog, the 56-dish feast offered to Lord Krishna.
Janmashtami, one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals in India, marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Celebrated with immense fervor across the country, Janmashtami is a time when temples and cities come alive with devotion, music, dance, and vibrant processions. This year, Krishna Janmashtami will be observed on August 26, 2024.
If you are planning to immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of this festival, here are five places in India that offer an unparalleled Janmashtami experience.
MATHURA, UTTAR PRADESH
Mathura, known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, holds profound significance for Hindus, especially during Janmashtami. This festival is celebrated with two major events: Jhulanotsav and Ghatas. During Jhulanotsav, devotees set up swings for Lord Krishna at their homes, and his idol is ceremonially bathed in honey, milk, curd, and ghee in a ritual known as ‘Abhishek.’ Afterward, the idol is dressed in new clothes and placed on the swing. Ghatas, on the other hand, involve decorating temples throughout the city with a uniform color scheme, and special puja rituals are performed to commemorate Krishna’s birth. Mathura’s Janmashtami celebrations are also famous for the Ras Leela, where young children, typically aged 10 to 12, perform dramatic re-enactments of various episodes from Krishna’s life.
GOKUL, UTTAR PRADESH
Gokul, located just a few kilometers away from Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, holds great significance in Lord Krishna’s life as the place where he was brought shortly after his birth in Mathura. Raised with immense love and care by his adoptive parents, Yashodha and Nanda, Gokul is deeply connected to his early years. The festival, known as Gokulastami, is celebrated a day later than the rest of the country, symbolizing Krishna’s journey from Mathura to Gokul at midnight. During the celebrations, devotees immerse themselves in chanting mantras, ringing bells, singing bhajans, and participating in other devotional activities.
VRINDAVAN, UTTAR PRADESH
Vrindavan, located near Mathura, is another prominent destination where Janmashtami is celebrated with immense enthusiasm. This town is historically significant as the place where Lord Krishna spent his early years and is believed to be the site of the divine Ras Leela with Radha and the gopis. The celebrations in Vrindavan start ten days before Janmashtami, with temples beautifully adorned with lights and decorations. Much like in Mathura, Ras Leela performances are a key feature of the festivities, re-enacting the divine dance of Lord Krishna.
Also Read: The Only Travel Guide You Need To Plan A Mathura Vrindavan Trip
DWARKA, GUJARAT
Dwarka holds profound religious importance and is considered one of the ‘Char Dhams’ as well as one of the ‘Sapta Puri,’ the seven ancient sacred cities of India. This city is closely associated with Lord Krishna, who is believed to have established his kingdom here after departing from Mathura, residing in Dwarka for over 5000 years.
MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA
Mumbai is one of the best places to experience the grandeur of Janmashtami celebrations in India. The city’s famous ‘dahi handi’ ritual is a major highlight, where large groups form human pyramids to break an earthen pot suspended in the air. Numerous groups, known as ‘Govinda mandals,’ participate enthusiastically in this tradition, dressed in distinctive costumes and traveling across the city in trucks to compete in various dahi handi events, often for cash prizes and rewards. For a truly remarkable Janmashtami experience, the ISKCON temple in Juhu is an excellent spot to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday.
Chappan Bhog : The Festive Feast
Food plays a central role in all Indian festivals. Among these, the Chappan Bhog stands out as one of the most generous offerings prepared for Lord Krishna during Janmashtami. Chappan Bhog is a sacred offering of 56 sattvic dishes, carefully prepared to provide a balance of all five tastes—sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and bitter—along with umami. This diverse array includes:
- Milk Products: Makhan Mishri, Kheer, Rasgulla, Rabdi, Malpua
- Sweets: Jeera Laddus, Jalebi, Mohanbhog, Moong Dal Halwa, Ghevar, Peda, Raisins
- Nuts and Spices: Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios, Cardamoms
- Savoury Items: Shakkar Para, Mathri, Pakore, Saag, Curd, Kadhi, Cheela, Papad, Khichdi, Baingan ki Sabji, Dudhi ki Sabji, Poori, Tikki, Daliya
- Fruits and Vegetables: Mango, Banana, Grapes, Apples, Plums
- Breads and Snacks: Kachori, Roti, Bhujia
- Drinks: Coconut Water, Almond Milk, Chaach, Shikanji
- Other Treats: Channa, Meethe Chawal, Supari, Saunf, Paan
This collection of dishes reflects a rich variety of flavors and textures, making Chappan Bhog a special and meaningful part of the festive feast.
The story behind the legendary Chappan Bhog
According to legend, Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain for seven days to shield the villagers and their livestock from a fierce storm unleashed by the anger of Lord Indra. During this time, Krishna went without his usual eight daily meals. After the storm subsided, the grateful villagers prepared a feast known as Annakuta, or “mountain of food.” This feast symbolized the 56 meals Krishna missed during those seven days, representing the eight meals per day multiplied by seven.
For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network
Trending on TFN
A Spanish Odyssey: Trafalgar’s Unparalleled Best of Spain Itinerary
Imperial Splendors: Trafalgar’s 10-Day Sojourn in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest
