Chhappan Bhog is observed during the Shukla Paksha of
Bhadrapad Month at Vrindavan and Mathura. In remembrance of the divine incident
of Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain, 56 different types of dishes are
offered to Sri Krishna on the day. In 2024, Chhappan Bhog important date is September 18 - Bhadrapad Purnima.
Legend has it that Sri Krishna held aloft the Govardhan
mountain (in Mathura) for seven days on his little finger, and saved the people
from the wrath of Indra. Humbled, Indra became a follower of Krishna. The
moment Krishna lifted the mountain, Surabhi, a heavenly cow, fed Krishna with
her milk.
To show their devotion, Gopis prepared 56 dishes and offered
to Sri Krishna.
56
dishes are initially offered to Sri Krishna and then distributed among all the
devotees in temples in the Braj region.