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: