Happy Birthday To Krishna

Maha Vishnu took various avatars to protect the mortal world from the evildoers and sinners. One such incarnation was his birth as the child of King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki Devi. Sri Krishna Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Krishna. It falls on the 8th day of the dark half of the month of 'Bhadrapada' (August-September) and is one of the greatest of all Hindu festivals. Lord Krishna was born at midnight.

A twenty-four hour fast is observed on this day, which is broken at midnight. The festival is called in different names as "Krishna Jayanti", "Janma Ashtami", "Krishnaashtami" , "Gokul Ashtami", and as "Sri Jayanti".

Birthday of Krishna is usually celebrated in the month of avani on ashtami thidhi and star rohini. This year festival falls on Sep 4th 2007.

This festival is celebrated by preparing sweets and savories which Lord Krishna likes , decorating the idol or picture of Krishna , and decorating the floor with kolams .

Footprint of lord krishna will be drawn depicting his entrance into home.. from the door to the pooja place. People sing songs in praise of lord krishna like JayaDevar's Ashtapathi(geetha govindam) and read Bhagvad Gita

Fruits, betel etc along with aval, butter are placed near the idol or picture of Krishna to do pooja.

Since Lord Krishna was very fond of milk and milk products, so devotees make various dishes of milk to please the Lord.Devotees observe fasting to mark the day and break it at midnight after the birth of Lord Krishna. Certain people observe the day with waterless fast while others have fruits and milk. The traditional dishes prepared on Janmashtami are Kalkand, seedai, murukku, manoharam, , Gopalkala, Kheer etc.

Kalakand Recipe

U NEED

1. Milk-2litres

2.Sugar -1cup

3.Chopped nuts to decorate (pista, almonds)

4.Silver foil (optional).

5.Lemon juice -3tsp

Method of Preparation

1.Boil half the milk and add the lemon juice as it comes to boil.

2.Switch off the gas. Once the chenna settles sieve through muslin cloth,

3.Press out excess water, take it in a plate and press down. Do not knead.

4.Put the remaining milk in a heavy panand boil to half.

5.Add chenna and boil till the mixture thickens. Stir continuously.

6.Add sugar and continue to cook.

7.Stir all the while till it softly thickens in a lump.

8.Set in a tray, mould to any shape as u desire,apply silver foil and sprinkle the chopped nuts.

For More Srijayanthi Recipes go here The Yum Blog