Shri Krishna Janmashtami 2023 Special: Makhan Mishri

Janmashtami, or Krishna Janmashtami, has been celebrated across countries. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna and the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu on earth. On the eighth day of Paksha of the Sharavan month; Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated and is considered to be one of the most important Hindu festive. In the sacred book of Hinduism, it is mentioned, Lord Krishna was born at midnight, hence devotes are awakened the whole midnight and sing devotional songs; they do the fast the whole day and perform aarti on the first sunshine of the day. 

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with the greatest pomp in cities like Brindavan and Mathura. With great enthusiasm, it is celebrated in different states of India, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Odisha, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

All lord Krishna devotees perform certain rituals which follow the singing, such as preparing special cuisines which are followed by fasting, visiting the lord Krishna temple, and praying in communities. They also intone Bhagavad Purana and Bhagavad Gita. 

In cities like Assam, Gujarat, Mathura, Manipur, and Rajasthan, Krishna Leela and Ras Leela, are organized and performed. Various phases of Lord Krishna are enacted in the form of dance and drama. It can be a great learning for a future generation to learn about the inherited culture and our country through these festivals.

Let me review the history. According to our great legends, Lord Krishna was born to Father Vasudev and Mother Devki. He has taken birth to banish evil from the earth and kill his uncle Kansa. It was prophesied that Evil Kansa would be killed by his sister Devaki and brother-in-law Vasudev’s eighth child. In fear, Kansa imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudev. He started assassinating all the children born to Devki. The eighth child of Devki was Lord Krishna; he was born on the eighth day of Ashtami of the Krishna paksha in Shravan month. When Lord Krishna was born at midnight, there was lightning that happened in the kingdom of Kansa, where all people slept for the time being. Vasudev was guided by the Lord to carry the infant (Lord Krishna) secretly across the river Yamuna to Vrindavan. He was mentioned to replace Krishna with the child born to Nanda and Yashoda.

Lord Krishna grew up in Vrindavan and spent many years with Yashoda and Nanda. When Krishna grew up, he declared that he would attack Kansa and kill him.

Going back to Lord Krishna’s childhood days, he was a very mischievous kid. He controls the entire universe. However, he still takes pleasure in stealing butter from villagers’ houses and relishing it. Her beloved mother Yashoda used to feed her favourite Makhan Mishri, which was made from cow’s milk, yet he used to steal Makhan from others. So, Krishna was also called Makhan Chor. On the day of Janmashtami, freshly churned butter is one of the most important dishes offered to the deity.

It is one of the important dishes in the Chappan bhog; especially since it is offered to Lord Krishna. Makhan mishri is one of the simplest dishes that is prepared and offered to Lord Krishna. Here is the lip-smacking recipe for Makhan Mishri.