How Krishna and Balarama Stole the Butter

Mother Yashoda was standing in her kitchen in Vrindavan, gently stirring a big clay pot of milk so it wouldn’t spill. Nearby sat little Krishna and Balarama , watching her with curious eyes.

Krishna kept glancing at the butter pots with a mischievous smile.

Krishna (whispering sadly): Balarama, Mother is so busy... but I really, really want some butter right now.

Balarama (smiling): Let’s call our friends and think of a plan!

Krishna (grinning): Perfect idea! Come on, I know what to do!

They ran off, whispering their secret plan into the ears of their cowherd friends.

All the boys gathered near one gopi’s home. They hid behind the wall and listened.

Gopi 1: I’ve hidden my butter in the highest pot! Let’s see how Krishna reaches it this time.

Gopi 2: Oh, don’t forget — last week he climbed a ladder and stole everything!

The gopis went inside, not noticing the boys peeking from behind.

Krishna (whispering): There it is — the butter! Let’s climb up!

Balarama: But it’s so high!

Madhumangala: Let’s make a tower! I’ll stand at the bottom, Balarama on me, and Krishna on top!

Krishna (excitedly): Yes! Let’s do it!

Krishna climbed on top of Balarama and Madhumangala, reached the high pot, and opened it. He dipped his little fingers inside and tasted the butter.

Krishna (with delight): Mmm! So soft and sweet! Here, everyone, have some!

Balarama (laughing): Krishna, you’re all covered in butter!

All the boys laughed and shared the butter, their faces shining with joy (and a little grease).

Scene 4: The Gopis Discover the Theft When the gopis came back, they saw the empty pot.

Gopi 1 (angrily): Again! Krishna did it again!

Gopi 2: Look — butter footprints! They go straight to Yashoda’s house. Come on!

Mother Yashoda was busy when the gopis arrived, pointing toward Krishna.

Gopi 1: Yashoda, your son has eaten all our butter again!

Yashoda (sternly): Krishna, is this true?

Krishna (innocently): Oh, Mother, I didn’t do anything! I was just playing with Balarama.

Balarama (grinning): Yes, yes! We know nothing!

Yashoda looked closely — she saw a shiny butter spot on Krishna’s cheek.

Yashoda: Hmm… if you didn’t eat the butter, what’s this on your face?

Krishna (quickly wiping it): That? Oh, that’s not butter! It’s… um… flower pollen! From the garden!

Balarama covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.

Yashoda (sighing): Fine, if you two are so innocent — then help me churn some new butter!

The gopis shook their heads and left.

Krishna (whispering): Ha! We fooled them again!

Balarama (laughing): Yes, but next time — be more careful, or Mother will catch us for sure!

The boys giggled. Krishna licked his buttery fingers again — and the whole of Vrindavan echoed with the sound of their laughter.