"Dahi Handi: A Festival of Unity and Joy"
The sound of drums, the rustle of clothes, and the shout of triumph... Dahi Handi is here!
Govinda Pathaks making Human Pyramid
Dahi Handi is a joyful celebration in India, typically observed on the second day of Krishna Janmashtami. It is a Hindu Festival. Dahi refers to Curd and Hundi refers to an earthern pot filled with milk products. Dahi Handi also Known as Gopalkala or Utalotsavam. Krishna loved butter and curd as a child, and would often break pots to get it. This is what Dahi Handi celebrates.
"Why Dahi Handi is Celebrated a Day After Janmashtami?"
because, according to mythological tradition, Lord Krishna's birthday is celebrated on the day of Janmashtami, and the next day is considered the day when he started his childhood antics, including breaking pots of butter and curd.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna loved butter and curd. So he along with his friends used to steal butter and curd from the neighborhood too . Tired of this mischievous nature of Shri Krishna, he filled the pots with butter and curd and hang their pots at a height where it was difficult to reach that for little kanha.Little Krishna came up with the idea of making a human pyramid in order to reach their goal. That's why he was known as Makhan Chor.
How Dahi Handi is celebrated?
Dahi Handi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and energy.The festival begins with music, dance and Chanting of krishna's name. Then formation of Human pyramids by Govinda teams begins.
The teams attempt to break the clay pot (handi) hung high above the ground, filled with curd, butter,the contents spill out, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Then curd and butter distributed among crowd.The team that breaks the pot wins prizes and praise. Then, everyone celebrates with more music, dance, and fun, to honor Krishna's fun and loving nature.
Dahi Handi Celebration in Maharashtra
Maharashta , particularly Mumbai, is known for its vibrant Dahi Handi celebrations.
•Thousands of Govinda teams or Govinda pathak (Govinda is another of Lord Krishna ), mostly comprising young men, participate in the celebrations, showcasing their strength, agility, and teamwork.Govinda teams start practicing weeks in advance, perfecting their formations.On the festival day, they compete to break as many Dahi Handis as possible,forming towering 5-7 tier human pyramids that showcase their remarkable strength, strategy, and teamwork.
•Dahi Handi in Maharashtra is highly competitive, with teams vying for prizes and recognition. Many events offer substantial cash prizes, attracting skilled teams from across the state.
•Bollywood celebrities often participate in or sponsor Dahi Handi events, adding glamour to the celebrations.
•Participants and spectators wear traditional attire, including kurta-pyjamas and phetas.
• Maharashtrian cuisine, such as puran poli and vada pav, is an integral part of the celebrations.
• Dahi Handi in Maharashtra is a community-driven celebration, with locals actively participating and organizing events.
•The Maharashtra government provides support and recognition to Dahi Handi celebrations, promoting the state's cultural heritage.
Women's Parcipation in Dahi Handi:
Traditionally, Dahi Handi was a male-dominated festival, but in recent years, women's participation has increased significantly.
•Some cities now have all-women Govinda teams, who form human pyramids and break the handi with equal enthusiasm and skill. Some organizers arrange separate competitions for women,offering equal prizes and recognition.
•Organizers holding training sessions and workshops specifically for women is a wonderful way to encourage their participation in Dahi Handi.
•Women's participation in Dahi Handi promotes gender equality.
By breaking the handi together, men and women break down gender barriers, promoting a more inclusive and equal society.
The administration plays very important role in organizing Dahi Handi Celebrations by providing necessary permissions, ensuring saftey measures such as Medical Survice, Fire Brigades, etc.
They promote events through local media and social media. Additionally, they maintain law and order, collaborate with event organizers, and provide support to ensure a smooth and successful celebration.
Dahi Handi is more than just a festival – it's a symbol of the unbreakable human spirit. With every handi broken and every pyramid formed, we are reminded that together, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
Gitanjali Thorat ( Press Article Blogger)
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