So, it is Krishnajayanthi aka Gokulashtami today. Does it mean its Lord Krishna's birthday? If so when was he born? What is his age now?
Am I obliged to answer these questions from a small kid? Probably not but apparently the birthday of Lord Krishna is July 19 or 21, 3227or 3228 BC. He is indeed very very old now isn't he?
I started thinking about the concept of celebrating various religious festivals and their purposes. Hindu worship is idol based which in my humble opinion is the easiest form of worship to promote Bhakthi. People decorate the idols to their taste and attain a sense of fulfilment and happiness. Although I am not totally religious person, I am religious in my own way.
Part of worship is 'Neivaideyam' wherein we offer the deities whatever we have cooked /made with real devotion. I have several experiences myself where my cooking tasted better without having to taste the food during the preparation just because it is made for the Almighty and he is the first to taste them. Usually it is the men who chants verses of slokas on special occasions and neivaideyam are prepared by women. It is teamwork and probably was intended to be this way when festivals were conceptualised that it becomes a family event and the genders contribute equally and enjoy equally. It is also an opportunity to show talents and improve.
What is my stand on the modern day 'Neivedeyam'??
It is depicted that Lord Krishna likes milk, yoghurt and butter. This is probably because these products were readily available as he was raised in a community rearing cows. So, ritually the neivedeyam consists of lots of butter mixed with raisins, cashews and fresh grapes, not to mention the sweetest 'Ladoos'.
Although it is a belief that Lord enjoys our offerings, it is us who engulf the sweets and savouries made on the day.
Assuming this is the strategy for all festivites can the 'Neivedeyams' be replaced to healthier,less fat, less sugar versions? My answer was a BIG YES (although I am perfectly capable of indulgence and love the buttery food) , so I embarked myself to do this 'Oats and Nuts Ladoo' for Krishnajayanthi (an Internet recipe) . No refined sugar or butter was added to this recipe, so it is indeed healthy. It contained oats, figs, dates, walnuts, almonds, linseed and pistachios. Cashews and raisins were not included purposefully. (Why am I taking this on Kutti Krishna?)
Any way my ladoos were ready in 10mins and after the prayers I tasted them. They were really tasty and got the family approval.
Is this a picture depicting our perception of how the food itself is the 'Big' thing during festivals than the devotion to God himself?
Am I obliged to answer these questions from a small kid? Probably not but apparently the birthday of Lord Krishna is July 19 or 21, 3227or 3228 BC. He is indeed very very old now isn't he?
I started thinking about the concept of celebrating various religious festivals and their purposes. Hindu worship is idol based which in my humble opinion is the easiest form of worship to promote Bhakthi. People decorate the idols to their taste and attain a sense of fulfilment and happiness. Although I am not totally religious person, I am religious in my own way.
Part of worship is 'Neivaideyam' wherein we offer the deities whatever we have cooked /made with real devotion. I have several experiences myself where my cooking tasted better without having to taste the food during the preparation just because it is made for the Almighty and he is the first to taste them. Usually it is the men who chants verses of slokas on special occasions and neivaideyam are prepared by women. It is teamwork and probably was intended to be this way when festivals were conceptualised that it becomes a family event and the genders contribute equally and enjoy equally. It is also an opportunity to show talents and improve.
What is my stand on the modern day 'Neivedeyam'??
It is depicted that Lord Krishna likes milk, yoghurt and butter. This is probably because these products were readily available as he was raised in a community rearing cows. So, ritually the neivedeyam consists of lots of butter mixed with raisins, cashews and fresh grapes, not to mention the sweetest 'Ladoos'.
Although it is a belief that Lord enjoys our offerings, it is us who engulf the sweets and savouries made on the day.
Assuming this is the strategy for all festivites can the 'Neivedeyams' be replaced to healthier,less fat, less sugar versions? My answer was a BIG YES (although I am perfectly capable of indulgence and love the buttery food) , so I embarked myself to do this 'Oats and Nuts Ladoo' for Krishnajayanthi (an Internet recipe) . No refined sugar or butter was added to this recipe, so it is indeed healthy. It contained oats, figs, dates, walnuts, almonds, linseed and pistachios. Cashews and raisins were not included purposefully. (Why am I taking this on Kutti Krishna?)
Any way my ladoos were ready in 10mins and after the prayers I tasted them. They were really tasty and got the family approval.
Baby Krishna typically pictured as eating the sweet Ladoos.
Food is probably the best way to get not only into people's heart but also the 'ALMIGHTHY' !!!
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