Sri Krishna is considered as the one of the most powerful
human incarnations/avatars of the Lord Vishnu. He was born around 5,200 years
ago in Mathura. The sole objective of Sri Krishna's birth was to free the Earth
from the evilness of demons. He played an important role in Mahabharata and
propagated the theory of bhakti and good karma which are narrated deeply in the
Bhagwat Geeta.
Sri Krishna was born in a prison in the custody of Kansha. But
his father Vasudev handed his new born child to Nanda Raaj and Yashoda in
absolutely a miraculous way to save the new born from Kansha. Therefore Krishna
was brought up in Vrindavan and later he
killed his uncle, Kansha.
Janmashtami, the
birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in
India in the month of July or August. According to the Hindu calendar this
religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day
of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon.
The actual celebration of Janmashtami takes place during the
midnight as Sri Krishna is believed to be borned on a dark, stormy and windy
night to end the rule and violence of his uncle, Kansa. All over India this day
is celebrated with devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the
Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.
The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the
places where Sri Krishna had spent his life, are very special. On this day
temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers
are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples.
Being an Indian I also celebrate Krishna’s birthday or
Janmashtami or Gokulashtami in my own way, as I have very little
knowledge about the puja rituals. I usually prepare some sweet dishes, decorate
my lord Krishna with lots of flower, light up diya & candles, blow
conch shell and then pray for my family in front of my God.
This year, I prepared a very easy sweet for my Krishna, “Coconut
Laddu With Coconut Powder and Condensed Milk”. This is a very quick and easy
recipe which could be prepared almost in no time.
Let’s see how to make it.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Powder/Desiccated Coconut: 300 gm
- Condensed Milk: A whole can (400gm)
- Cardamom Powder: ½ tsp.
- Ghee: To grease the hands
- Chopped Cashews: A handful
- Pistachio: A handful (chopped finely)
Process:
- Heat a nonstick pan .
- Add the condensed milk. Stir it continuously in low flame so that it can't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Now add the coconut powder. Mix it thoroughly. It will very easily mix with the milk and soon start to release the pan. Add the cardamom powder and cashews and mix very well. After 2 -3 minutes, when all the ingredients will be mixed with each other turn off the flame.
- Now grease your hands with little ghee and make round balls or laddus using your palm from the hot coconut mixture. Don’t allow it to cool unless making laddus will be difficult.
- Coconut laddus are ready now. Garnish them with chopped pistachios and serve.
Enjoy Your Food..!!
