Shree Krishna is one of the most adored of all Hindu deities. He was closest to humans , as he was born and lived as one. He played, toddled, made mischief and performed miracles. Krishna devotees have followed each and every incident in his life. He was a saviour, teacher, guide and philisopher. Shree Krishna was the protagonist of the grand epic , the 'Mahabharata'.
The birth of Lord Shree Krishna is celebrated with pomp and show throughout India. The actual birth had taken place at midnight between the 7th and 8th day of the first fortnight of the month of Bhadrapad.The 7th day is marked by fasting and praying, while the 8th day ( the day after the birth of Krishna) is marked by celebrations and feasting.
At midnight of the 7th day, A gong is sounded at the stroke of midnight to announce the birth of Krishna.An idol of Balkrishna or Ladoo Gopal is [placed in a copper plate bathed first with Gangaajal ( water from the ganges) and then with the 5 elements that form the panchamrit , the five elixirs, Milk, ghee, yoghurt, honey and sugar.The liquid thus mixed and collected is then distributed as prasad. Various sweets are cooked and offered to the newborn Krishna. An offering of sooji halwa is made , offered to Krishna and distribute it to all assembled.The next day is a day of feasting. An Vaishnav feast of 56 dishes is prepared, it is known as Chappan Bhog.The food prepared on this day includes dairy products like milk, ghee, yoghurt, cottage cheese, butter, cream. Onions , garlic , eggs or non vegetarian food is not used in the Chappan Bhog. Little kids are dressed up as Krishna, wearing bright kurtas and dhotis with the symbolic peacock feather tucked in their hair.
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| Dahi Handi |
Pots filled with milk, butter are tied high up on streets and gangs of boys make human pyramids to reach upto the pots and break them. There are fruits, vegetables , gifts and even cash prizes to be won by the gang that breaks the pots.
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