Braj Cuisine

This article is part of the series on
Indian cuisine
Regional cuisines
North India
South India
East India
West India
Northeast India
Other
Ingredients, types of food
Preparation, cooking
See also
Related cuisines

Braj Cuisine (Hindi: ब्रजवासी पाक-शैली) is a style of traditional cooking originating from Braj region[1] of Northern India, particularly states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.[2] This sacred land, revered as the childhood home of Lord Krishna, has given rise to a unique gastronomic culture that embodies the principles of Satvik food.[3] Characterized by an abundance of fresh dairy products,[4] such as milk, cream, butter, ghee, mawa, yogurt, buttermilk and chhena, Braj cuisine is a testament to the region's devotion to Lord Krishna, the divine cowherd.[3]

History and influences

Braj cuisine has a rich history shaped by the region's spiritual and cultural heritage, particularly Vaishnavism and its various Sampradayas like Pushtimarga tradition,[5] Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Nimbarka Sampradaya, Radhavallabhi tradition. Vaishnavism emphasized the importance of devotion to Radha, Krishna and the holy cows and also emphasized the use of dairy products in worship and cuisine.[6]

Foods being offered to Shri Krishna during Annakuta festival by Pushtimarg Vaishnavite priests

Vegetarianism is a cornerstone of Braj cuisine, reflecting the Vaishnavite[7] emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion. The abundance of milk and dairy products[6] in the region along with vegetarianism[7] has also played a significant role in shaping the cuisine, with milk being considered a symbol of purity and nourishment.

Ayurvedic principles have also influenced Braj cuisine, with a focus on using seasonal ingredients, whole grains, and balancing flavors to promote health and well-being.[8] The region's fertile soil and favorable climate have made it an ideal place for growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices which are incorporated into the cuisine.[9]

Over time, Braj cuisine has evolved through the blending of these spiritual,[3] cultural, and geographical[9] influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful culinary tradition that nourishes both body and soul.

Braj region is known for its rich culinary tradition. Signature dishes of Braj culinary tradition which are unique to this region include- Bedmi Puri,[2] Dubki wale aloo,[1] Mathura Peda,[10] Mathura Heeng Kachori,[11] Vrindavan Dahi Arbi jhor, Vrindavan khichdi,[12]Janamashtami Panjiri[13], Panchamrit prasad, Agra Petha,[14] Agra Dalmoth,[15] Morena Tilpatti[16].

Vrindavan Dahi Arbi with paratha

Etiquette of Brajwasi dining

Braj region is known for its community feasts commonly known as Bhandaras, where Satvik food is served to devotees at one place.[17] Festivals in Braj region are associated with Chhapan Bhog tradition where fifty six special food items are offered to Krishna and then distributed among devotees.[18]

Chhapan Bhog offered to Shri Radha Krishna

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Kumar, Tyagi, Pankaj; Vipin, Nadda; Kannapat, Kankaew; Kaitano, Dube (3 June 2024). Examining Tourist Behaviors and Community Involvement in Destination Rejuvenation. IGI Global. ISBN 979-8-3693-6821-3. Braj region. Nestled in the northern part of India, the Braj region is synonymous with devotion, where the ethereal... cuisine, with its flavorful dishes, regional specialties, and age old recipes, provides a unique lens...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b Cardona, George; Jain, Dhanesh K. (26 July 2007). The Indo-Aryan Languages. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-79711-9. Braj (western Uttar Pradesh and adjacent districts of Haryana and Rajasthan)
  3. ^ a b c "Braj Cuisine Echoes The Legends Of Lord Krishna, Radha And Holi". Slurrp. Retrieved 22 August 2024. Religion and cows play a significant role in Braj cuisine, which takes its cue from Krishna, the God of the Gherao. Typical satwik fare is prepared without the use of garlic or onions.
  4. ^ "Cuisine Of Braj". www.vhtofficial.com. Retrieved 22 August 2024. The use of dairy products, especially ghee and milk, is prominent, symbolizing the reverence for Lord Krishna, the divine cowherd
  5. ^ Entwistle, A. W. (1987). Braj: Centre of Krishna Pilgrimage. E. Forsten. ISBN 978-90-6980-016-5. Pushtimarg's predilection for food offerings, the dishes appropriate for each place are specified
  6. ^ a b "Cuisine Of Braj". www.vhtofficial.com. Retrieved 22 August 2024. The use of dairy products, especially ghee and milk, is prominent, symbolizing the reverence for Lord Krishna, the divine cowherd.
  7. ^ a b Rosen, Steven J. (17 April 2020), Narayanan, Vasudha (ed.), "Vaishnava Vegetarianism: Scriptural and Theological Perspectives on the Diet of Devotion", The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Religion and Materiality (1 ed.), Wiley, pp. 395–413, doi:10.1002/9781118660072.ch21, ISBN 978-1-118-66010-2, retrieved 22 August 2024
  8. ^ Sharma, Vikas; Srivastav, Dhananjay Kumar; Jain, Garima; Sharma, Vikas; Srivastav, Dhananjay Kumar; Jain, Garima (2024). Promotion of Satvik Cuisine Among Food Freak Customers in Braj Region, India. Advances in Hospitality, Tourism, and the Services Industry. pp. 308–322. doi:10.4018/979-8-3693-6819-0.ch023. ISBN 979-8-3693-6819-0. Retrieved 22 August 2024. Satvik food and cuisine are deeply rooted in the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic wellness and medicine that originated in India {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  9. ^ a b Kumar, Vinod (8 December 2023). "Kharif Kaleidoscope: The Bounty of Braj's Vibrant Vegetable Harvest". Braj Yatri. Retrieved 22 August 2024. With its fertile soils and favourable climate, the Braj region becomes a verdant canvas for cultivating a diverse range of vegetables
  10. ^ "When Is Janmashtami 2022: Find Out Date, Timings And 5 Prasad Recipes". NDTV Food. Retrieved 23 August 2024. Mathura Peda. This popular mithai from the homeland of Lord Krishna is a must-have in your bhog
  11. ^ Santosh, Anusha Moorthy (19 September 2023). Vegan Treasures of India: 60 Home-Style Recipes that Capture the Country's Favorite Flavors. Page Street Publishing. ISBN 978-1-64567-799-4. hing kachori in Mathura, and jalebi and poha in Indore
  12. ^ "Budget bites". The Times of India. 1 July 2010. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 August 2024. There's even a dry fruit khichdi, which we didn't have the stomach to try and a Vrindavan khichdi, which comes with a side of gatte ki sabzi and papad
  13. ^ "Janmashthmi 2020: Why is Panjiri so popular in Janmashtmi?". The Times of India. 9 August 2020. Retrieved 23 August 2024. Panjiri is one of the quintessential delights of Krishna Janmashtmi bhog.
  14. ^ Jaison, Beji (17 February 2018). Pappa: When the candle melts. Notion Press. ISBN 978-1-64249-406-8.
  15. ^ Bhattacharya, Niharika Sahoo (13 September 2022). Geographical Indication Protection in India: The Evolving Paradigm. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-981-19-4296-9. Agra Dalmoth
  16. ^ "Gazak". morena.nic.in. The gajaks of Morena are very well-known and is exported internationally.
  17. ^ Chaturvedi, Hemachandra (23 January 2024). "Ram Temple inauguration: Krishna becomes Ram as Braj celebrates consecration". Ram Temple inauguration: Krishna becomes Ram as Braj celebrates consecration
  18. ^ Dave, Bhaskar R. Explosive Thrills: An Octogenarian Looks Back. Notion Press. ISBN 978-93-83185-38-2. fifty- six food items to the Almighty and this offering is called "chhapan bhog" (fifty - six food offerings), which consists of great culinary recipes relished by one and all.