Shri Krishna Janmashtami 2025 is being celebrated with great fanfare today, August 16th. On this day, devotees offer beloved bhog (food offering) like Makhan-Mishri (butter and sugar), Malpua, and Kheer to Laddu Gopal (infant Krishna). It is believed that this ensures abundance of food and wealth in the house and brings the special blessings of Lord Krishna. Offering bhog with Tulsi leaves and pure methods is considered essential.
New Delhi: Today, the auspicious festival of Janmashtami is being celebrated with great pomp and devotion across the country. Today, Saturday, August 16, 2025, is the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. Devotees are offering special prayers in temples and homes since morning. Tableaus and decorations have been set up everywhere, while the birth Aarti of Lord Krishna will be performed at 12 midnight. On this day, Laddu Gopal is adorned with new clothes and decorated with garlands, and his favorite bhog, such as Makhan-Mishri, Malpua, and Kheer, are offered. It is religiously believed that offering bhog and worshiping with devotion today pleases the Lord and brings happiness, prosperity, food, wealth, and peace to the home and family.
Makhan and Mishri: Kanha's Most Beloved Bhog
The scriptures describe in detail that Kanha (Krishna) was very fond of Makhan (butter) and Mishri (crystallized sugar) since childhood. In the lanes of Gokul, he used to steal butter from the homes of the Gopis and feed it to his friends and monkeys. Butter is considered a symbol of purity and affection, while Mishri signifies sweetness in life. By offering white, fresh butter and sweet Mishri on Janmashtami, Laddu Gopal is pleased. Devotees believe that this offering brings love, joy, and positivity into the home.
Malpua: Remembering the Love of Radha-Krishna
Malpua has its own special place in the list of Indian sweets. There is a story that Radharani used to make Malpua for Krishna with her own hands, and Nandlal (Krishna) used to eat them lovingly. Malpuas made from maida (all-purpose flour), milk, cardamom, and fennel seeds, when fried in ghee and dipped in syrup, have an amazing taste. The tradition of offering Malpua on Janmashtami night is observed in many places. It is said that this offering brings the blessings of sweetness and prosperity in life.
Kheer: Symbol of Purity and Auspiciousness
The tradition of offering Kheer has been going on for centuries. Kheer, made from milk, rice, and sugar, has special importance in every puja and festival. There is a story from Dwarka that Rukmini Ji herself used to make and feed Kheer to Krishna. The white color of milk is considered a symbol of purity, and the completeness of rice symbolizes prosperity. On Janmashtami night, offering Kheer decorated with cardamom and nuts brings good fortune and happiness. It is religiously believed that this ensures that there is never a shortage of food and wealth in the house.
Abhishek and Shringar with Panchamrit
Before offering the bhog on Janmashtami, Laddu Gopal is duly bathed. Panchamrit is prepared by mixing Gangajal (Ganges water), milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. There is a tradition of bathing Bal Gopal (infant Krishna) with this. After this, he is dressed in yellow or silken clothes and adorned with garlands of flowers and jewelry. Only after this special adornment is the favorite bhog offered.
The Tradition of Chappan Bhog
In many temples and homes, there is also a tradition of offering Chappan Bhog (56 dishes) to Laddu Gopal on Janmashtami. In this, 56 types of dishes are decorated, which include sweets, fruits, savory items, and various types of delicacies. This tradition is considered a symbol of offering boundless devotion and love to God.
Mantra Chanting and Offering Bhog
While offering bhog, not only the dishes but also devotion and chanting of mantras are considered essential. Devotees chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya" 11, 21, or 108 times. After this, Laddu Gopal is bowed to, and the bhog is offered. This bhog is later distributed as Prasad (blessed food) among the devotees and family.
The Splendor of Janmashtami Night
On the night of August 16th, when the clock strikes midnight, the birth anniversary of Laddu Gopal will be celebrated amidst the ringing of bells and the sound of conches in the temples. Devotees will bring a plate decorated with Makhan-Mishri, Malpua, and Kheer to offer to the Lord. On this occasion, the atmosphere will become devotional with bhajans and kirtans.
