Nandlala's Chhi-Chhi: A Unique Tradition of Brajmandal

Lala’s Chhi-Chhi!

Normally, while eating kadhi-chawal (curd curry with rice), your siblings or friends may well have spoiled your appetite in jest by comparing its appearance to something unsavory...
Yet here in Braj, the love of the Vrajavasis (residents of Braj) for Kanha is so otherworldly that on the day following Janmashtami, at the bhandaras (community feasts) organized at every step, kadhi-chawal is distributed under the very name of ‘Nandlala ki Chhi-chhi’ (infant Nandlala’s excretion).

Nandotsava (the festival celebrating Nanda’s joy at Krishna’s birth) is observed in the temples, during which curd mixed with sandalwood and turmeric is applied to the forehead, likewise under the name of ‘Nandlala ki Chhi-chhi’.

In the raslila (dramatic enactment of Krishna’s pastimes), during the performance of Bhagavan Krishna’s birth pastime, this ‘Lala ki Chhi-chhi’ is showered upon the crowd from the stage...

Throughout all these observances, not the slightest frown appears on anyone’s face at the mention of ‘chhi-chhi’; on the contrary, all the pilgrims visiting Braj experience an extraordinary fulfillment of divine love upon receiving this kadhi-chawal.

The devotees and spectators upon whom this turmeric-and-curd ‘chhi-chhi’ falls in the temples and the raslila are overwhelmed with bliss at the grace of its touch, deeming themselves truly blessed...

Such is the singular, transcendental love for Krishna Kanhaiya—born of Devaki and Vasudeva, and cherished as the darling of Yashoda and Nanda!

Nand ke anand bhaye, Jai Kanhaiya Lal ki! (Joy has dawned in Nanda’s home, victory to beloved Kanhaiya!)

- Shri Girdhari Lal Goyal, Brajmandal