Janmashtami 2025: Like every year, this time too, the festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated with devotion and gaiety across the country. Devotees wait for the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna, who is considered to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, throughout the year. This year, on 16 August 2025, his birth anniversary will be celebrated at midnight amid special worship and bhajan-kirtan. From the temples of Mathura-Vrindavan to every corner of the country, the joy of Kanha’s birth will resonate.
But among all these decorations, swings and bhajans, there is one ritual that holds a special place in the heart of every devotee – the offering of Makhan-Mishri. It is not just a sweet, but a symbol of God’s love, child-play, and his intimate relationship with the devotees.
Religious significance of Makhan-Mishri
It is said that in childhood, Kanha was so fond of butter that he used to secretly break the pot and eat it, and for this reason, he came to be known as Makhan Chor. For him, butter was not just a thing of taste, but it was a symbol of his innocence, simplicity, and love.
According to religious beliefs, the wishes of any devotee who offers fresh butter and sugar candy made from cow’s milk to Kanha on the day of Janmashtami are fulfilled. The softness of butter and the sweetness of sugar candy are considered a symbols of purity and simplicity.
Traditional method of making butter-sugar candy
The process of making the offering for Kanha on Janmashtami is a devotional experience in itself. First of all, fresh cream is taken and ice cubes are added to it, and whipped in a mixer for a few minutes. Slowly, the cream separates and turns into soft butter. This butter is whipped with light hands to make it fluffy and soft, then fine sugar candy is added to it. Finally, some saffron strands are added to fill it with fragrance and color.
The prepared Makhan-Mishri is placed near the small swing of Kanha, and then the devotees offer it with affection and love. After the offering, this prasad is distributed among everyone so that everyone gets the blessings of Kanha.
The hidden message in the tradition of Makhan-Mishri
This offering of Makhan-Mishri is not just a religious ritual, but also a message of life. A person with a heart as soft as butter and a voice as sweet as sugar can maintain love and peace in every relationship. This is the reason why this tradition has not only continued for centuries but is still as loved today as it was in the Dwapar era.
Sweet ending of Janmashtami
When the sound of conches and bells and the chanting of Hare Krishna resonates in the temples at midnight, then the devotees offer the Makhan-Mishri bhog prepared by their own hands. This offering is not just a means to please God, but is a symbol of an emotional connection with him.
This Janmashtami, when you celebrate the birth of Kanha, make sure to prepare his favourite Makhan-Mishri bhog. May all the bitterness in your life dissolve in this sweetness, and every day become sweet with the blessings of Kanha.