Mohanthal

Mohanthal is a traditional besan (gram flour) based Indian sweet which is regarded as favourite of Hindu God Bhagwan Krishna and hence prepared on Sri Krishna Janamashtami festival. The sweet Mohanthal is named after Bhagwan Krishna as Mohan is an epithet for Him. Mohanthal forms an quintessential part of bhog in Pushtimarg temples. It is common in the Braj, Rajasthan and Gujarat regions of India where influence of Pushtimarg tradition is higher.

Mohanthal is made from besan, ghee, and sugar and can be combined with many other ingredients, such as spices and nuts. As with other sweets from the Indian subcontinent it is commonly consumed at religious festivals such as Diwali, Krishna Janamashtami or as prasad, an offering at a Mandir.



Etymology
The word Mohanthal is compound of two words: Mohan and thal. Mohan is a Sanskrit word and is used an epithet for Hindu God Shri Krishna. Mohan also means something which is attractive, captivating or enticing. The name Mohan is used for Shri Krishna due to his attractive personality. The word Thāl is derivative of Sanskrit word Sthāla which means a plate and here refers to plate in which this Bhog is set.