Mumbai in 'High' Spirits as Massive Crowds Join Hands for 'Dahi Handi'
Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 22: For Mumbaikars festivity is crisp in the air as youngsters, more commonly known as 'Govindas', compete against each other to break the pots filled with milk, butter and ghee (Dahi Handi) dangling from a height in a bid to bag the prize money, as part of annual celebrations of the birth of Lord Krishna.
As one walks through the streets of Mumbai on this day, there is no way one can turn a deaf ear to the wild chanting of slogans of 'Govinda ala re ala' reverberating in the air. Songs and hymns are sung by people accompanied by dancing in praise of their favourite 'Makhan Chor'.
Often the celebration of Janmashtami includes many ceremonies of which the Dahi Handi is most popular. It is an enactment of Lord Krishna's efforts to steal butter from a Handi suspended from the ceiling. Young men form human pyramids to reach the 'matkas' in order to break it. Devotees also believe that the broken pieces of earthen pot will keep away mice and negative powers from their home.
The ones who successfully manage to break the pots are awarded handsomely. At big venues like those in Thane and Ghatkopar in central Mumbai and Worli in south Mumbai, the prize money ranges from Rs 25 lac to Rs1 crore for those who break a seven-to-10-layered pyramid.
Celebrities are also said to take part in these events. While Thane's Sangharsh Govinda Mandal will be joined by Spanish nationals, actors like John Abraham, Isha Koppikar, Malaika Arora Khan, Salman Khan and singers like Mika and Sukhvinder Singh will cheer the crowds at Ghatkopar's Ram Kadam Dahi Handi and Worli's Sankalp Pratishthan.
Also 'Rasleela' (dance drama) are performed by devotees depicting significant phases and acts of Lord Krishna's life.
Sweets like Doodhachi Kheer, Pedha, Gopalkala or Gulabjamun are the major dishes prepared on Krishnashtami. Besides, Shrikhand and Singhare ki Poori are also made in households. Eatables like Murukku and Seeddai are popular in the Southern State of Tamil Nadu.
Janmashtami festival is celebrated all around the world with lot of enthusiasm and devotion. This festival has gained popularity among people of other nationalities as well. Indians as well as citizens of other countries take part in Janmashtami festivity.
India is known for 'Unity in Diversity'. It is a multi cultural and multi linguistics country. Janmashtami also gives Indians a chance to promote their religion and culture in the world.