What is the story behind Dahi Handi?

Dahi Handi is a popular tradition performed during Krishna Janmashtami. It's like a game that reminds us of Krishna's childhood. A bunch of boys called "mandals" form groups and go to different places to break a pot filled with yoghurt or butter.

Dahi Handi happens every year on Krishna Janmashtami. This time, Krishna Janmashtami 2023 will be celebrated on September 6. People in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate the festival with great vigour. They hang an earthen pot filled with yoghurt or butter high up. Then, a team of men and women make a tower of people to reach and break the pot. It's a competition.

While they do this, many people gather around and play music to cheer them on. It's a joyful and lively event!

 

Dahi Handi Utsav 2023

Dahi Handi is a part of Krishna Janmashtami and takes place on the festival's second day. It usually happens in August or September, right after Krishna Janmashtami.

Dahi Handi Utsav 2023 will be on Thursday, September 7, 2023. The timing for Dahi Handi for day Choghadiya shubh Muhurat is 02:43 PM to 04:14 PM, whereas for the night, shubh Muhurat is 07:16 PM to 08:45 PM. It's a time when people come together to have fun and celebrate.

 

The significance of the Dahi Handi festival

Dahi Handi festival is important because of a story about Lord Krishna. He was called the "butter thief" or "Makhan chor." As a kid, he loved butter a lot and was playful. He and his friends would take butter from neighbours' houses. People tried to keep it high so he couldn't reach it, but he was clever. He and his friends would make a tower of people to get the butter. It's why Dahi Handi is celebrated with people making human pyramids to break pots of yoghurt or butter.

As time passed, Mumbai Dahi Handi became a part of Krishna Janmashtami. This is because it reminds us of Krishna's childhood. Boys form “mandals" groups and travel to different places to break pots. Sometimes, there's a reward for breaking the pot, making it a fun celebration. 

 

The pyramid is formed in layers. The bottom layers have strong people who can hold the weight. The top layer has an energetic child who can break the pot. The people making the pyramid are called 'Govinda Pathak' or 'Govinda'.

The pot, or "Handi," is placed quite high, about 30 to 40 feet from the ground. Different teams compete to build the tallest pyramid. People cheer for them and enjoy the event with excitement.

 

What does 'Dahi Handi' actually contain? 

In places like Gujarat and Dwaraka, they put things that Krishna really likes, such as yoghurt, almonds, ghee, and nuts, inside the earthen pot! It's like telling the story of young Lord Krishna. People practice for about a week before the real celebration. They make human pyramids with much focus, energy, excitement, and hard work. It's said that one pyramid can even have nine layers. The bottom layers have strong people carrying the weight, and the top layer has a child who can break the pot.

 

History of ‘Dahi Handi’

Long ago, when little Lord Krishna lived in Vrindavan, he liked white butter, curd, and milk. He would take it from his neighbours and villagers. Because of this, he got the names 'Navneet Chor' or 'Maakhan Chor'. His mother, Yashoda got annoyed by his habit of taking things. So, she tied him up and asked other women in the village to keep their butter, curd, and milk high up so he couldn't get to it. But Krishna and his friends worked together to make a human pyramid. They reached the high pots, broke them, and shared the food. This is why we celebrate 'Dahi Handi' – to remember Krishna's playful times from his childhood.

 

Krishna Janmashtami

Janmashtami Utsav occurs on a special day called Ashtami during Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada. According to Hindu beliefs, this is the day when Lord Krishna was born. He was born on an Ashtami day in the Rohini Nakshatra. People also call this festival by other names like Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, and Janmashtami.

 

In 2023, Accourding Hindu Panchang Krishna Janmashtami falls on September 6, which is a Wednesday. 

There is confusion this year about whether Janmashtami falls on September 6 or 7. The Rohini Nakshatra for Janmashtami begins on September 6 at 09:20 a.m. and goes until September 7 at 10:25 a.m. Since the Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi fall on the night of September 6, Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated that same day.

 

Celebration and Customs

Fasting: On Janmashtami, people fast and avoid eating grains, cereals, or lentils. They break their fast after the midnight prayer. 

 

Prayer and Ceremony: In homes and temples, they do special prayers called pujas. People decorate statues of Lord Krishna with flowers, fruits, and sweets. They sing songs and light lamps as a part of aarti. 

 

Midnight Festivities: Lord Krishna is said to be born at midnight. So, people stay awake till midnight, praying, singing devotional songs, and reading stories about Krishna. 

 

Dahi Handi: In places like Maharashtra, there's a fun tradition called Dahi Handi. They hang a pot of curd high up, and young men make a human pyramid to break it. This shows how playful Krishna was. 

 

Swings: People put up swings with flowers and leaves in their homes and temples. This shows the happy times of Krishna's childhood. 

 

Ras Leela: Some places have special dances called Ras Leela. They show the love between Krishna and Radha. People act out stories from Krishna's life through dance and drama.

 

Spiritual Importance: Krishna Janmashtami is more than just a cultural festivity – it holds deep spiritual meaning. The teachings of Lord Krishna, especially in the Bhagavad Gita, highlight values like doing what's right, fulfilling duties, showing devotion, and spreading love. His wise teachings guide people towards goodness and self-discovery.

 

Krishna Janmashtami brings joy, devotion, and time for introspection to Hindus worldwide. It's a reminder of Lord Krishna's timeless message, inspiring folks to live with kindness, understanding, and devotion. As devotees celebrate his birth, they also seek his blessings for a life filled with spiritual growth and enlightenment.

You can also read similar write-up on relevance of Ganesh Chaturthi 2023, Dussehra 2023, Diwali 2023, Tulsi Vivah popular vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.