Celebration of Dahi Handi Festival in India

The Dahi Handi festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across various regions in India. It is observed annually on the ninth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. The festival occurs the day after the festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, commemorating the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna.

The significance of the Dahi Handi festival traces back to the Dwapar Yuga, and it serves as a reminder of the playful antics of Lord Krishna during his youth. Devotees recreate the playful act of Lord Krishna as he would break pots filled with butter to share with his friends.

According to mythological beliefs, young Krishna, along with his friends, would steal butter and sweets, which earned him the nickname ‘Makhan Chor.’ In their efforts to prevent him from stealing, the gopis would hang pots of butter at elevated heights. However, Krishna, aided by his friends, would manage to break these pots and enjoy the butter.

This festival is particularly vibrant in states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, with cities such as Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul witnessing grand celebrations. The event includes enthusiastic festivities, where a pot filled with curd is suspended high above the ground, and teams of ‘Govindas’ attempt to reach and break it by forming human pyramids.

On the morning of the festival, devotees tie the pot filled with curd using a rope and hoist it to a considerable height. The competition involves teams competing to break the pot, which often leads to joyous celebrations, colors, and water splashes, creating an electrifying atmosphere.