Cchappan Bhog

Verbatim translation of Cchappan Bhog means fifty six offerings. Indian mythology has a story behind usage of the phrase Cchappan Bhog. It is said, Krishna Bhagwan use to take eight meals a day, on one occasion he had to abstain from food for seven days in a row. When he resumed eating he was offered 56 different offerings, each signifying one missed meal. Contemporary usage of the word, Cchappan Bhog means extensively elaborate vegetarian meal offered to guests who are equated to God. It was my privilege to be one amongst a list of guests offered traditional Cchappan Bhog courtesy at one of the wedding functions. Yes, they were 56 in number and portions were such that one could have at least one round of the whole offering, yours truly did. I was told that traditionally the offering begins with Curd and ends with Small Green Cardamom, there is a suggested list but most hosts have their own take on it. Here is what all came my way. Before I get into into the detailed list let me share how it was served. We were offered curd in small katoris with dessert spoons, after we we were done with the curd, the katoris were removed and we were given an extra large thali, which was to be our main plate for the day. Here is the roll of honor (It took me some effort to reconstruct it, but still couldn't complete the count) :

Curd (Dahi)
Papar
Mixed vegetable salad
Jaljeera
Pakori & Chutney
Dahi Bhalla
Bhunay hua aaloo
Aam aur Nimbu ka achaar
Aamlay Ka Muraba
Sabzi ka Shorba
Missi Roti
Paneer Ka Chila
Manakey aur Kaju ki Chutney
Pudina Hing Ka Paani
Boondi ka Raita
Khari Gobi
Peeli Daal (Tadka)
Kaali Daal (Makhani)
Safaed Channa
Kalay Chaney Ka Paani (Soup)
Kari - Pakora
Saadey Chawal
Navratan Pulao
Bandha hua Karela
Bharwaan Tinda
Bharwaan Shimla Mirch
Makki Ki Roti
Sarsson Ka Ssag with White Butter
Bhuni hui Palak
Methi Varrian
Tandoori Roti
Lachha Parantha (They were so tiny, that I had to ask for one more, knowing very well that a lot more had to come, they were really delicious.
Anaar Ka Chatpata Sharbat
Jalebi
Rabaree
Savian Kheer
Chawal Kheer
Gulab Jamun
Pineapple Ice-cream Soda
Aam papar
Saunf, taza anardana
Hari Elaichi (Green Cardamom)

I am sure I will come back to this post to add more things I tasted that day. Almost everyone had everything, portions were really small to allow for consumption and the meal was spread over two hours of absolute pampering. To know more about Indian Food, you may refer to the following: Indian Food Indian Cuisine Map South Indian Cuisines North Indian Cuisines East Indian Cuisines West Indian Cuisines Central Indian Cuisines

Cchappan Bhog

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