Gokulashtami or Krishnashtami, the arrival of Lord Krishna, is one of the most awaited festivals in India. It is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in honour of Lord Krishna’s birthday, who is believed to have been born 5,200 years ago in Mathura.

According to the Hindu calendar, this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the eighth day of Hindu lunar month, Shravana.

Across India, celebrations take a devout mood. Idols of the deity are decorated and worshippers arrange grand celebrations which include breaking of the Dahi handi, Raas Lila etc.

Dahi Handi or Gopal Kala, is a part of Janmashtami celebration, enjoyed all across the country on the second day of Krishna Janmashtami. With men making huge pyramids to reach out to the Dahi Handi hung at great heights, the festival is enjoyed with great enthusiasm not just amongst the participants in the competition, but equally amongst the viewers.

Significance of Dahi Handi

Lord Krishna, in his infant-form loved eating butter and would gather his friends to steal the butter from the handi. They would make small pyramids to reach the dahi handi hung at greater heights and then enjoy eating the tasty butter made by their mother. This is the real story behind celebrating Dahi Handi, which depicts the mischievous acts of Lord Krishna. However, the festival also has a very philosophical meaning to it.

The pot is believed to the human ego or also the sense of our body and mind identification, which is held back by dangles of Samsara. The content of the Handi is the being. Lord Krishna breaks the pot and releases the content from the binding of the Samsara. In this way, he reveals the real bliss of life, introducing one to the true self.

Every year, hundreds of groups participate in this competition, trying to break the Dahi Handi and receive the blessings of Lord Krishna.

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.

To witness the real Dahi Handi adventure please watch the following videos: