Janmashtami is a vibrant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. This year the festival is on August 26, 2024. Devotees celebrate by visiting temples and fasting. Communities also host vibrant events featuring dance performances to honor Radha Krishna’s Raas Leela. The main attraction is the Dahi-Haldi tradition, where people form human pyramids to reach and break a pot filled with yogurt and butter. Butter Offering butter to Lord Krishna is a beloved tradition. But why is butter so important? Let’s look at the stories behind Krishna’s love for butter.
Why does Lord Krishna like these things Butter,
1. From a shepherd community
Lord Krishna grew up under the care of Nanda Baba, the head of the cowherds, and his wife Yashoda. Surrounded by cows and living in a community that thrived on milk and its products, Krishna’s love for butter reflects his deep roots in this cowherd community.
Also read: Janmashtami 2024: 5 bhog recipes to liven up the festival
2. Beloved’Butter Thief’
Krishna got this nickname in his childhood.Butter Chor’ or ‘butter thief’. He took pleasure in stealing butter and curd not only from his own home but also from his neighbours in Gokul. Though this behaviour often led to the gopis complaining to Yashoda, Krishna’s charm ensured that despite his theft, he won everyone’s hearts.
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3. Made with love
Krishna loved butter so much that his mother Yashoda, his beloved Radha and the gopis would churn butter especially for him and feed it to him with their own hands. Seeing Krishna tasting this butter prepared with love would fill their hearts with immense joy.
Also read: Made with love: How food can bring people closer
4. Spread happiness
Krishna’s playful antics with butter, whether eating butter from a pot or “stealing” it from the neighbors, are full of joy and affection. These amusing stories remind us that children should be allowed to freely enjoy their childhood without any unnecessary stress or restrictions.
Want to make white butter at home for Janmashtami 2024? Then here’s a simple recipe.
Note: This article explores themes and stories from Hindu mythology for informational and educational purposes. Although an attempt has been made to present the material accurately, interpretations of mythological texts may vary.
