CHAPPAN BHOG

We all know that we offer chappan bhog, but do we known why we offer this? Why only 56 dishes why not any other number?

In India as an offering to the Lord, people put together a list of 56 food items, referred to as the Chhappan Bhog. The word ‘Chappan’ translated to 56, and ‘Bhog’ means food. 

STORY OF CHAPPAN BHOG

According to Hindu scriptures, people in the forest of Vrindavan followed a practice of offering lavish meals to Lord Indra - the God of rain and storm - to make sure he is pleased enough to bless them with timely rainfall and good harvest. Little Krishna found the practice to be a little harsh for the poor farmers. He convinced the entire village to stop making these offerings to Lord Indra and look after themselves. Angered by the lack of food offered, Lord Indra triggered massive rainfall and thunderstorm in Vrindavan. The storm continued for days, the houses were flooded, people were stuck. Fearing for their lives, the villagers approached little Krishna for help, who then asked everyone to proceed to the Govardhan hill.

Once everyone was there, he lifted the whole hill with his little finger, and everyone came under the hill to take shelter from the rains and storm. The rain continued for seven days, and little Krishna held the hillock on his little finger all through these days. He did not move anywhere and didn't consume a single grain of food. Ultimately, Lord Indra had to stop the rains in Vrindavan. It is said Lord Krishna used to have eight meals in a day. Once the rain subsided, everyone made Lord Krishna a total of 56 dishes (eight multiplied by seven), out of gratitude.

WHAT DOES CHAPPAN BHOG CONTAINS?

Chappan bhog is a mix of cereal, fruits, dry fruits, sweets, drinks, namkeen and pickles. Some of the common items found in the chappan bhog are makhan mishri, kheer, rasgulla, jeera ladoo, jalebi, rabri, mathri, malpua, mohanbhog, chutney, murabba, saag, dahi, rice, dal, kadi, ghewar, chila, papad, moong dal ka halwa, pakoda, khichadi, brinjal ka sabji, lauki ka sabji, poori, badam milk, tikkis, cashews, almonds, pistachios and elaichi among others. This special food is also called “Annakut”

The Bhog also needs to be arranged in a definite sequence; Milk products arranged the closest to Him. This is followed by Besan items and then the salty food. At the end illachi is offered.

TYPES OF CHAPPAN BHOG

The chappan bhog is of two types:

·       Type one

7 types of cereals
7 types of fruits
7 types of dryfruits
7 vegetables
7 sweets
7 bevrages
7 namkeen
7 sauces or pickles

·       Type two

16 kinds of namkeen
20 kinds of sweets
20 kinds of dry fruit

Thus, apart from being a part of religious rituals, it is an integral part of Indian cuisine as well. It is important for us that we tell our tradition to upcoming generation this is the only way to keep it alive.