Janmashtami 2018 celebrations: What is Chappan Bhog?

Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth ‘Avatar’ of Lord Vishnu. Janmashtami is celebrated with great joy all across the country. This year the festival falls on September 3, according to the Hindu calendar.

Janmashtami in India is mainly celebrated in Gokul, Vrindavan and Mathura. Devotees fast the entire day and stay up till midnight which is considered to be the birth time of Lord Krishna. People sing bhajans in the name of Lord Krishna and break their fast only after midnight. They also distribute sweets among themselves. 

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What is Chappan Bhog 

Chappan means number 56 in Hindi. Devotees, as an offering, list 56 food items before the Lord. This list is commonly referred to as Chappan Bhog. However, number seven plays a key role. Generally, the 56 items consist of seven types of cereals, seven types of fruits, seven types of Dry fruits, seven vegetables, seven sweets, seven drinks, seven Namkeen, seven sauces.

Here is the entire list of 56 items which are offered with some distinctions in different parts of the country: 

1) Saag( Spinach)
2) Dahi (curd)
3) kheer ( sweet rice and milk)
4) Chawal (rice)
5) Rasgulla
6) Rabri
7) Mathi
8) Daal
9) Chutney
10) Kadi
11) Malpuda
12) murabba
13) Shakkarpaara
14) Ghewar
15) Chila
16) Jalebi
17) Papad
18) Dalia
19) Laddoo
20) Ghee
21) honey
22) Mohanbhog
23) Mathha
24) Lassi
25) Butter
26) Malai
27) Moong Dal Ka Halwa
28) Khichadi
29) Pakode
30) Brinjal

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31) Lauki
32) Coconut chutney
33) Poori
34) Kachori
35) Roti
36) Badam Milk
37) Coconut water
38) Mango
39) Banana
40) Shikanjvi
41) Grapes
42) Apple
43) Plum
44) Cashew nuts
45) Almonds
46) Raisins
47) Pistachios
48) Channa
49) Tikki
50) Sweet Rice
51) Bhujia
52) Pudina Chutney
53) Saunf
54) Paan
55) Supaari
56) Illaichi