Article by Darshana Jamindar
Dahi Handi, a famous festival of youngsters of Mumbaites, they eagerly wait for this festival to come fast again. All teammates, Govindas keep practicing formation of pyramids to grab and break handi, full of butter. Dahi Handi is held on the second day of Gokulashtami celebrations, and is very popular in Mumbai. Clay pot full of curd, butter, and money are hung high up on the top.The mythology says that Lord Krishna eightth incarnation of Lord Vishnu was fond of stealing butter by breaking handi of Gopis. Dahi Handi festival keeps up tradition of Lord Krishna.
Dahi Handi is very popular across Maharashtra and other states. This time, the celebrations would be held for two days on August 17 and 18. Usually the festival date is decided as per the cycle of the moon.
Throughout India, the festival is celebrated with lot of colours and granduer. Mathura in India has lot of significance as this city is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. This city in the northern part of India is a symbol of peace and harmony with its bright decorations and innumerable displays of scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. In Jaipur and similar programs take place like Vrindavan and Mathura, which would surely make your Dahi Handi experience a memorable one.
Dahi Handi is usually held on the second day of Gokulashtami celebrations, and is very popular in Mumbai. Clay pots with curd, butter, and money are hung high up on the top and professionals make human pyramids and compete to break the pot. This is a trend that goes back to the time when Lord Krishna as a child used to make such pyramids and break open pots of butter hung up in all the houses. Thus, this festival is a way of reliving the mischief and pranks played by Lord Krishna.
What Does One Do On Janmashtami?
Usually Janmashtami is observed by fasting and devotees pray at midnight offering their respects to Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight, he is worshipped at this time. Temples have baby cradles with a small statue of the Lord in them. People chant the name of the Lord and worship him all night. It is a lovely sight to see little boys and girls dressed up as Lord Krishna and Radha.
Dahi Handi Celebrations Today in Mumbai
With the Government, disallowing children below 12 from participating in the human pyramids, this year the Dahi handi celebrations would see a different approach to the system. Participation of small children was the forte of these celebrations as their light weight was a help to reach the top of the human pyramid. With the best of safe practices adopted and ideal social settings, Dahi Handi is surely necessary see for all and a time to rejoice, celebrate, and enjoy. Experience the feeling of being closer to Lord Krishna and celebrate Dahi Handi with peace and happiness this year. Dahi Handi is a festival that is celebrated across India and is also known by other names like Janmashtami and Gokulashtami.
