A Tribute to the Makhan Chor - Happy Janmashtami!

                                                               A Tribute to the Makhan Chor- Happy Janmashtami! 

The auspicious occasion that celebrates one of the most powerful human incarnations of Lord Vishnu is here. Janmashtami, a festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great fervour and zeal across the entire nation and in many parts of the world too. This festival is associated with light hearted mischief and those who celebrate it believe that the birth day of Lord Krishna brings to them innate power and the celebrated feeling of motherhood. 

The unique hours of celebration or the birth of Lord Krishna every year is due to the fact that he was born on a dark, stormy and windy night. So, every year, devotees gather together at midnight, sing bhajans and offer a sacred platter of 56 sattvic foods or Chappan Bhog to Lord Krishna to commemorate the Janmashtami or Gokulashtami celebration. Then prashaad of Dhaniya Panjiri, Mathura ka Peda or Makhan Mishri is distributed marking the birth of Lord Krishna.

Janmashtami is followed by the excitement filled celebration of Dahi Handi. The reason behind this is believed to have stemmed from the ‘Natkhat’ behaviour of little Lord Krishna. According to many, Krishna ji absolutely loved eating Maakhan or white butter which he would steal from his neighbour’s houses where they were hung or stored.

Hence, today, to celebrate this festival in our own way, we bring to you a list of excellent dishes that are prepared with butter as an important ingredient. We dedicate this article to Lord Krishna and his favourite ingredient- butter. 

Paneer Butter Masala

This dish in particular has the word butter even in its name. A creamy, buttery and delicious dish, Paneer Butter Masala is extremely easy to prepare and will definitely leave you licking your fingers just like Lord Krishna used to as a child. 

Butter Garlic Mushroom

As the name suggests, this three ingredient dish is an absolute wonder and brings to your palette a sense of delight. Full of butter and garlic, this mushroom delight is so easy to prepare and will always leave you wanting for more. So, my suggestion is that you prepare a large batch in one go and enjoy an excellent meal. 

Chocolate Butter Cake Ice Cream

Is a celebration really successful if you do not have a dessert item on the menu? You and I both know that without a dessert, an event would be a disaster. Like everyone says, we always have room for dessert. This chocolate butter cake layered with ice cream, is one of the softest and yummiest cakes you would have ever eaten. It is so delicious and easy to prepare that it will soon become a regular dessert of your choice. 

I hope you found this tribute to Lord Krishna fun and highly beneficial. These three dishes were my top choices because the flavour and texture of butter is highly visible and proves to us exactly why the Makhan Chor went out of his way to steal pots of butter from his neighbours. So, give them a try. However, don't be disheartened if you are vegan, you can still enjoy those recipes - just use vegan butter instead.

           On this auspicious occasion, I wish you a very Happy Janmashtami.

      May Lord Krishna shower his unending blessings on each and every one of us.