Janmashtami, the birth celebration of Lord Krishna, is more than just a festival, it’s a divine experience of devotion, music, and bhog (offerings). Among the many delicacies offered to Kanha on this sacred day, Paag holds a special place in many Indian households, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of North India.

But why is this humble yet flavorful preparation considered Krishna’s favorite? Let’s explore its significance, the tradition behind it, and how you can prepare it at home for Janmashtami 2025.

🌸 The Spiritual Significance of Paag

In the Vedic way, every morsel offered to the Divine is a whisper of meaning. Paag—woven from soft khoya, golden ghee, and fragrant spice, is more than a sweet; it is purity shaped into form, nourishment steeped in love, and devotion served upon a plate.

  • Symbol of Love: Lord Krishna, lovingly called Makhan Chor—the playful butter thief—has an eternal fondness for rich, dairy-laden sweets. Paag, being rich in milk solids (mawa), connects directly to this love for milk products.

  • Sattvic Energy: As per Ayurveda, Paag is a sattvic food—light on the body, spiritually uplifting, and free from onion-garlic, making it ideal for fasting days like Janmashtami.

  • Bhakti Expression: Offering Paag signifies giving the best of what you have, infused with love and purity, to the Lord.

As the Bhagavad Gita says:
“Patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktyā prayacchati” — “A leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, when offered to Me with devotion, I joyfully accept it.”

📜 Traditional Belief: Why Krishna Loves Paag

Legends say that in His childhood days in Vrindavan, Krishna often visited the homes of Gopis and tasted homemade sweets. Among these, the rich, ghee-laden Paag made during festivals became His favorite. It is believed that on Janmashtami night, when devotees offer Paag at midnight (Nishita Kaal), Krishna accepts it with a smile.

In some regions, Paag is also associated with prosperity and harmony in the household, offering it is said to invite divine blessings for a happy family life.

🕰️ Best Time to Offer Paag on Janmashtami 2025

For 2025, Janmashtami falls on 16 August. The most auspicious time to offer Paag to Lord Krishna is during the Nishita Puja Muhurat, which is from 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM IST.

You can also prepare and keep it on the altar during Brahma Muhurta (4:24 AM to 5:07 AM IST) for early morning prayers.

🍯 Easy Paag Recipe for Janmashtami

Ingredients (for 8–10 servings):

  1. 250g Mawa (Khoya)

  2. 150g sugar (powdered)

  3. 2 tbsp pure ghee

  4. 1 tsp cardamom powder (elaichi)

  5. A handful of chopped dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios)

  6. Optional: a pinch of saffron strands, gently soaked in warm milk for a golden hue and divine aroma.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Heat the Ghee: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee on low flame.

  2. Roast the Mawa: Add the mawa and stir slowly over a low flame until it blossoms into a light golden shade and releases its rich, sweet aroma.

  3. Add Sugar: Reduce the flame, add powdered sugar, and mix well until it blends smoothly.

  4. Flavor: Add cardamom powder and saffron milk, stirring continuously.

  5. Garnish & Serve: Add chopped dry fruits, mix, and turn off the flame. Shape into small portions or spread on a greased plate to cut later.

Tip: Always prepare Paag fresh on Janmashtami day for maximum spiritual and energetic value.

🌼 How to Offer Paag to Lord Krishna

  1. Purify the Space: Light a ghee diya and incense before placing the Paag on the altar.

  2. Decorate the Plate: Arrange the Paag gracefully on a silver or brass plate, adorn it with fresh tulsi leaves, and place beside it a small bowl of fragrant panchamrit.

  3. Chant Mantras: Recite “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or the Krishna Ashtakam while offering.

  4. Midnight Offering: Offer during Nishita Puja time, visualizing Krishna joyfully accepting your bhog.

🔮 Astrological & Remedy Significance

Astrologically, Janmashtami is an excellent day to:

  1. Strengthen your Moon (Chandra) for mental peace—offer dairy sweets like Paag.

  2. Enhance Venus (Shukra) for prosperity, decorate bhog with saffron and cardamom.

  3. To dissolve obstacles in love and relationships, present Paag adorned with sacred tulsi leaves and offer heartfelt prayers for harmony and togetherness.

Practical Remedy: If facing constant financial instability, distribute Paag as prasad to children and cows on Janmashtami morning. It’s believed to invite abundance.

💛 Paag – A Sweet Bond Between Devotee & Deity

While elaborate feasts are common in temples, Paag stands out because it reflects simplicity, purity, and deep-rooted tradition. It’s a sweet that doesn’t just fill the stomach, it fills the heart with joy and the home with blessings.

So, this Janmashtami, whether you’re celebrating in a grand temple or your small home altar, make Paag with devotion and see how it transforms your festive energy.

Q: Why is Paag considered Lord Krishna’s favorite bhog on Janmashtami?

A: Paag is a traditional sweet made from mawa (khoya), ghee, and dry fruits, believed to be loved by Krishna because of His fondness for dairy-based sweets. In Vedic tradition, it’s considered sattvic—pure, nourishing, and ideal for fasting days. Offering Paag during the Janmashtami Nishita Puja (12:04 AM–12:47 AM IST in 2025) is said to please Krishna, invite His blessings, and strengthen planetary benefits, especially for Moon and Venus.