Krishna Chhati Puja: Janamashtmi ke baad kya kare? Hindu Tradition for Newborn Blessings

The sixth day after the birth of Baby Krishna, known as “Krishna Chhati Puja,” is celebrated in Hinduism to seek blessings for the newborn and wish for their well-being. This tradition is observed annually. In 2022, Krishna Chhati Puja was celebrated on August 24th. During this puja, devotees perform rituals and prayers to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna for the health and prosperity of the newborn child. It’s a significant part of Hindu culture and traditions.

Why Krishna is offered 56 Bhog?

It is believed that Lord Krishna did not eat any grain for seven consecutive days. It is said that he used to consume an average of eight servings of food each day. To express their gratitude, the people of Vrindavan prepared 56 different dishes (8 dishes multiplied by 7 days) and presented them to him on the eighth day as a culmination of this period.

Another belief behind this why Krishna is offered 56 bhog (food offerings) as a part of Hindu religious rituals and traditions because it is believed to be a symbol of devotion and abundance. The number 56 is derived from the idea that Lord Krishna, during his childhood in Vrindavan, was known to have multiplied himself into multiple forms (avatars) to partake in various playful activities with his devotees and friends simultaneously. Each avatar would require its own meal. To satisfy all these avatars and to demonstrate their love and devotion, the people of Vrindavan would prepare 56 different dishes to offer to Lord Krishna.

This tradition continues today as a way for devotees to express their deep affection and reverence for Lord Krishna, symbolizing the abundance of love and offerings they wish to present to the divine. It’s a cultural and religious practice that has been carried forward through generations.

Rituals of Krishna Chhati Puja

The sixth day of the Chhath Puja, known as “Laddu Gopal ki Chhathi,” is celebrated by following certain rituals and traditions. Here’s how it is typically observed:

1. Morning Rituals: Start the day by taking a bath and wearing clean clothes.
2. Bathing Laddu Gopal: Give a ceremonial bath to the idol of Laddu Gopal (Lord Krishna) using a mixture known as “Panchamrit.” Panchamrit is a blend of five ingredients: milk, curd, ghee, honey, and Ganga water.
3. Abhishek (Holy Bath): After the initial bath, perform an abhishek (holy bath) on Laddu Gopal. This involves pouring Ganga water from a conch shell (dakshinavarti shankh) over the idol. Ganga water is considered highly purifying.
4. Change of Clothes: After the bath, dress Laddu Gopal in new yellow-colored clothes.

These rituals are performed to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and to honor Him on the sixth day of the Chhath Puja. It is believed that observing these rituals with devotion brings prosperity and happiness to the devotees’ lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was the real sister of Shri Krishna?
Ans: The name of Lord Shri Krishna’s full sister was Subhadra. She was a character in the Mahabharata and had a marriage with Arjuna upon Krishna’s suggestion. Abhimanyu was their son. Subhadra was the sister of the prominent characters, Lord Shri Krishna and Balarama. Her father’s name was Vasudev, and her mother’s name was Rohini.

Q: Who was the guru of Lord Krishna?
Ans: Lord Shri Krishna and Balarama’s guru was Maharshi Sandipani. It was Maharshi Sandipani who imparted the teaching of the 64 arts to Shri Krishna. In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, there is a famous ashram associated with Guru Sandipani.

Q: What are favourite fruits of Lord Krishna?
Ans: Krishna’s favorite fruits include mangoes, bananas, coconuts, apples, guavas, pomegranates, custard apples, papayas, dates, Indian jujube (ber), Indian gooseberries (amla), mulberries, sugarcane, and figs, among others.