Janmashtami Bhog: Makhan Mishri, Peda, divine offerings to celebrate Lord Krishna's birth

India is gearing up to celebrate Janmashtami, the auspicious festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, with great fervour and devotion. This year, the festivities extend over two days, September 6th and 7th, due to the Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi alignment. Central to the celebrations are the offerings of bhog items, traditional dishes, and sweets, symbolising love and respect for Lord Krishna.

2 things you need to know

• Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth, spans two days.
• Bhog items, including pedas and jalebis, symbolise devotion and love.

The Significance of Bhog Items

Bhog items, a crucial element of Janmashtami celebrations, encompass a variety of delectable offerings such as traditional cooked delicacies, sweets, fruits, and flowers. Devotees across the nation observe fasts, recite the Bhagavad Gita, organise cultural festivals, perform songs and dances, and remain in a state of devotion until midnight when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born. The highlight of the day is the offering of 56 special bhog items, often featuring milk-based delights, as they hold a special place in Lord Krishna's heart.

(Offering of 56 special bhog items holds a special place in Lord Krishna's heart | Image: X)

10 Bhog Items to Offer on Janmashtami

Dhaniya Panjiri

Ground coriander seeds are mixed with ghee, dry fruits, sugar, cardamom powder, and elaichi, creating a delightful Dhaniya Panjiri.

Makhan Mishri

A simple yet delightful preparation, fresh white butter is mixed with mishri (rock sugar), and mint leaves can be added for a fragrant touch.

Peda

Khoya is combined with powdered sugar, simmered over low heat, and infused with elaichi and kesar for flavour before shaping it into pedas and garnishing it with chopped dry fruits.

Mohan Bhog

Semolina is roasted in ghee, and mixed with boiled milk, sugar, cardamom powder, saffron strands, and chopped nuts, creating the delectable Mohan Bhog.

Ghewar

A batter made from besan, ghee, and water is deep-fried into disc shapes, soaked in sugar syrup, and garnished with nuts, saffron, and spices to form the crispy Ghewar.

Panchamrut

A blend of milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and sugar results in a smooth and divine Panchamrut offering.

Boondi Laddoo

Besan batter is fried to form tiny boondis, which are then soaked in sugar syrup, mixed with nuts, cardamom, dry fruits, and ghee, and shaped into laddoos.

Makhana Paag

Makhana (fox nuts) are roasted in ghee, coated with sugar syrup and cardamom powder, and then cooled and broken into crunchy pieces.

Jalebi

A batter made from maida and yoghurt is deep-fried into spiral shapes, and soaked in cardamom or saffron-flavoured sugar syrup, making irresistible Jalebis.

Rasgulla 

Chenna (curdled milk) is kneaded, formed into balls, slightly flattened, and cooked in sugar syrup until they become spongy and delightful Rasgullas.

As Janmashtami approaches, devotees prepare these bhog items with love and devotion to offer Lord Krishna, filling the air with the sweet fragrance of devotion and celebration. May this Janmashtami bring joy, love, and spiritual enlightenment to all who celebrate.