Food Loose And Fancy Free: Chappan Bhog

CHAPPAN BHOG

I come from a background which is culturally extremely evolved. At my parents house , we have steadfastly held on to all rituals and festivities of each and every one of the immediate family and enthusiastically participated in the festivities of extended family and friends.

For years I marvelled at how women could get together a feast of 56 items to offer deities on special days. Every year I talked to people , read about it and wondered. Will I be able to make it ? what are the kind of thing s one offers. Being offered to a particular deity on an auspicious day/ a festival or fast, it had to be cooked in pure ghee ( clarified butter) if ones economic situation permitted and devoid of onions and garlic. Did I know enough things I could make without using onion garlic and oil ? I read and I brooded and put it out of my mind. I feared to start something I could not finish.

This year the madness ambushed me completely. While working at a complicated communication , the thought of Chappan Bhog just popped into my mind. As usual , I read about it , looked at pictures , checked out the pooja rituals that precede and follow the Chappan Bhog and I thought that was that. It was 2 days before Janmashthami and obviously not a possibility for this year. I tried to push the thought out of my mind and tried to focus on my work. But the thought persisted, relentlessly arguing and debating the practicality of such a humongous task. Just to test the waters, I started compiling a probable list of items that I could offer. As in planning all menus , I broke the meal into courses. And that was my moment of truth. I brought the thought into familiar territory. Planning balanced meal is something I can do at an hours notice. Suddenly the task didn't seem so daunting. I drew up lists, starting with fruits, dry fruits , store bought sweets and snacks. That takes care of about 20 dishes right away. That left me with a soup , vegetables, dals, rice, rotis, yoghurt based dish and dishes. A tentative list was quickly drawn. Looked good.

Next came the proper procedure and the ritual. Earlier we did decorate a small altar for the newly born Laddoo Gopal or Lord Shree Krishna and offered him a vaishnav meal ( food cooked in pure ghee and without using onions and garlic) . This time I went further to do a proper pooja . The next step was to determine a space wide enough to hold the altar and the food , which would be placed in plates, deep side plates and bowls. Dining table decided upon, secured and place chosen. Altar essentials chosen.

I started cooking at 6 am on the morning of Janmashthami and by 12 noon , most store bought items in my list were replaced by fresh food cooked by me. My teenager suggested one of the item to be a mouth freshener ( the smartest thing to come out of his head all day) and the stage was set for the big hour. Krishna Janm or the birth of Lord Shree Krishna happens at 12 midnight. After work , I shopped for the fruits , Laddoos and flowers and the festive clothes and jewellery for my beloved. I was going to offer 108 tulsi dools ( a part of the tulsi plant which is either at top with some flowers or a stem with 2 opposite facing leaves) . My garden yielded them ( thrilled!)

The frisky teenager was enlisted to help with the decoration. After a 3 hour long gym session, he was a bit reluctant. But then got into his role with enthusiasm ( Most of the members in my house are either closeted or practicing atheists) But once in a while they do indulge me and their love for me over rides their atheist principals ( I’m touched) . So here is a gung ho teen , decorating my chowki with rajanigandha stems, wrapping and tying , struggling to set up the 4 corners. Next setting up of the food. It is indescribably the pleasure I was getting from just laying out the table. Placing the containers wondering what should be placed closer to the idol and fretting over not having to spread out things too far. Finally table has been laid. Time to starting getting my beloved ready for the banquet.

The ritual of bathing the idol and offering various items is an act of love. The maternal feelings all brimming over while I bathed the idol as is prescribed by sanatan dharm. Every action being enjoyed , sketching an image to be enjoyed over and over again. Finally dressing him up in his pink and silver dress, with a pink turban with a trimmed peacock feather, pink beaded bracelets, golden necklace and a golden flute. Finally he is ready to be offered his meal. Placing the idol on its decorated seat , offering him fragrance, light, flowers, he is finally offered the food. and then beetle leaves or paan.

After offering a prayer , circumambulating , prostrating , I wish him a Happy Birthday. I thank him for being in my life and for giving me an opportunity to serve him.

After this I break my fast by consuming some of the prasad offered to my Lord. I am feeling elated, humbled by the experience.

Something I wanted to share with you all. Do try it. Such a beautiful experience , and once you've tried it , you would want to do it again and again.

Jai Shree Krishna.

My final list read like this