Govinda Aala Re!
The Festival of Dahi Handi is celebrated with formation of breath-taking Human pyramids, mud pots of butter, athletics on display and community bonding to mark the day of Lord Krishna’s birth – Janmashtami.
Dahi Handi literally translates to a pot of yogurt! This Hindu festival also known as Krishna Janmashtami marks the birthday of Lord Krishna. It celebrates his endearing love for all milk products, and the tricks the mischievous & naughty baby Krishna would resort to.
When Krishna was a little boy, Yashoda his foster mother, would hide her pot of yogurt and cream high up in the house, hoping that it would be out of reach of her mischievous little baby. But our little Krishna would try all sorts of creative ideas, such as making human pyramids with his friends to break these high hanging pots filled with yogurt.
During the celebration of Dahi Handi, a similar pot is strung high up between buildings, and teetering, precarious human pyramids by Govindas Pathak groups form as high-spirited groups attempt to reach and smash the coveted pot!
The groups spend the entire day, travelling throughout the city to places where these “dahi handis” have been set up. At every location, they try to break the coveted pot. In some places, what was once just a community celebration is now scaled up to an extravaganza. Multiple “dahi handi” pots are set up in the midst of a huge jam-packed crowd, while live dancing and music tries to keep pace with the frenzied action on the ground.
Here are some Safety Measures for those Participating in Janmashtami celebrations:If you are the Govindas ensure you have a helmet and knee cap. Also ensure there is a 3-inch thick mat spread on the ground below the pyramid.
- Ensure the organisers have a first aid in case a mishap occurs. First aid is a must to deal with an emergency situation. Also, check with organisers for ambulance facilities for the spot-on treatment of injured Govindas.
- Over the years, molestation and sexual assault have been reported multiple times during Dahi Handi celebrations. Ensure your safety and report to authorities if any unthwarted incident occurs.
- Dahi Handi begins late in the afternoon and continues till night. If you are planning to participate in the event ensure you have eaten enough to be strong to remain through such a long duration. Also, keep yourself hydrated with water at regular intervals.
In Mumbai, Dahi Handi is getting emerged as a competitive sport. Hundreds of team participates every year in the event. Famous celebrities are invited to promote the event. In recent years the prize money has reached to whopping 1 crore.
