Significance of Dahi Handi on Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. He is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu who was born to rid the people of Mathura from the cruel King Kansa. He was the son of Devaki, Kansa’s sister and Vasudeva. However, he was raised by his foster parents Nand and Yashoda in Vrindavan to save him from Kansa’s wrath. Lord Krishna not only delivered the world from the evils of Kansa but also played a significant role in ensuring the victory of Pandavas in Mahabharata. The devotees of Lord Krishna celebrate Janmashtami with a lot of enthusiasm. One of the ways to celebrate this day is ‘Dahi Handi’. Here’s everything you need to know about this festivity, its history, significance and what does the handi contain.

Dahi Handi is a festivity marked on Janmashtami mainly in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. A handi or earthen pot filled with dahi (curd), Makhan (butter) etc. is hung at a height. Then, a group of young boys make a human pyramid to get to the handi and break it. Typically, the height at which the handi is placed is 30 ft from the ground. This ceremony happens every year prominently in the two mentioned states. The event is followed by folk dances and a special ‘jhaanki’ to admire Lord Krishna. However, this year these events might not be held in the light of COVID-19.

Little Lord Krishna used to love white butter (Makhan), curd and milk when he was growing up in Vrindavan. He used to steal these even from his neighbours and other villagers. This habit earned him the names ‘Navneet Chor’ or ‘Maakhan Chor’. Yashoda maa was frustrated by his stealing habit. So, she used to bind Lord Krishna and told other women in the village to tie their butter, curd and milk in a handi at a height so he cannot reach it. However, Krishna and his friends made human pyramids to reach the handi, break it and distribute it among themselves. Therefore, ‘Dahi Handi’ is celebrated as a sweet remembrance by having a group of young men or boys make a human pyramid and break the earthen pot containing dairy products.

There are dedicated teams trained for this festivity, especially in Maharashtra & Gujarat. They practice weeks ahead of the actual event. Human pyramids are formed with a lot of enthusiasm, focus and coordination. One pyramid can have as many as nine layers. The lower tiers have sturdy people who can bear the weight on their shoulders, and the top one has an energetic child who can catch and break the handi. The people who form the pyramid are called ‘Govinda Pathak’ or ‘Govinda’. Every year, many teams participate in this event, and the winner even gets to win cash prizes!

We saved the sweetest for the last! What does ‘Dahi handi’ actually contain? In places like Gujarat & Dwaraka, the earthen pot is filled with items that are Krishna’s favourite, like yoghurt, almonds, ghee and nuts!