Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Shraavana in the Hindu calendar, when the Rohini Nakshatram is ascendent. Dahi Handi is just a way to celebrate krishna Janmashtami. Dahi Handi generally takes place on the second day of Janmashtami. An earthen pot containing a mixture of milk, dry fruits, ghee is hung around high in the air with the help of a rope. Dahi Handi is an enactment of Lord Krishna's efforts to steal butter from Matka (earthen pot) suspended from the ceiling.
I just got a chance of getting in a group to go around and break dahi handi. As Devrukhe Yuva group thought of celebrating gokulashtami festival together. It was sponsored by Ekmev. Since this was our first year there were amatures as well as pros in the group. 11 am was fixed to meet up. I just got behind the schedule and was delayed to reach the initiation spot. Everyone else had gathered at Yashodhan Web Creation's office in Girgaon. At around 11:30 they left the place, danced through the alleys along with traditional kacchi band with them.
I reached girgaon at 12. It was a kind of difficult to spot these guys as none of them were carrying cellphone and the streets were crowded with huge amount of spectators and various groups going around. But finally to my luck. One of the organizer was heading back at the initial point where I was just standing and wondering 'what to do?'. Well with him I went to his office, slipped in the yellow t-shirt and headed back to the group.
When we reached to our group, they had just spotted one handi and were eyin it. I had no clue of who was going to do what. All that I had decided was just stay behind the person in level-0 and support the person at level-1 without taking risk of carrying anyone. And people just came nearby encircled. Human ladders were formed. Slowly people at the higher level started scrambling on top. Pyramid was formed with a formation of 4-2-1-1 as this was easily managable. Once the pyramid is formed the topmost guy within no time broke the earthen pot and let the colored water fall on everyone. Boys came down systematically. This was followed by dance of joy with the music played by the band. The music and dance was also accompanied by splashing of water from both sides of the buildings.
The pace of the music reduced after some time and group moved ahead. Moving along the crowed everyone was shouting with different slogans like "Aawaj konaca? Devrukhe Yuvanca", "Tujhya gharat nahi pani, ghagar utani re...." and so on. After some interval of walk the music was replayed for more shaking of the body.
Countless number of groups also moved up and down the streets the other day. Few moved on bikes, few in tempos or truck, few had even set up scene along with their truck and the remaining walked. The only common thing by one can recognize them is the uniqness in there t-shirt design and color. We had yellow with red print on it. Our group was comparatively smaller with ametures in it and no mock practice. Hence could target mid-level handi's.
After breaking a couple of them, I thought of moving a step ahead and stood on level-0. With my weight ofcourse no one would have taken me on any other level higher than this. I later realized that this was the first time our group was trying for 5 levels. But it was too late I was already in. We were 5 people at level-0 and caught hands of alternate people. All that one could see was feet of other boys with you and there faces, with dynamically soaring weights on your shoulder. Its like you are totally engaged and can't even move your feet because it would affect each and everyone on top of you. Your body has to be so stiff and still that you cannot even scratch if you feel like. Its a matter of few minutes. Now in this place one cannot see what happens above you. So all you have to do is wait and check if you get a splash of water on you. If yes then your group has got the success in breaking pot. But instead if you feel a sudden pressure of weight from your shoulder to your neck that you can't stay straight it means the pyramid broke and some one has fallen on you.
This was one of the best experince ever. We managed with 9 handi. Our intention was to enjoy. Which we all did. Later everyone had delicious misal pav and dispersed.
I just got a chance of getting in a group to go around and break dahi handi. As Devrukhe Yuva group thought of celebrating gokulashtami festival together. It was sponsored by Ekmev. Since this was our first year there were amatures as well as pros in the group. 11 am was fixed to meet up. I just got behind the schedule and was delayed to reach the initiation spot. Everyone else had gathered at Yashodhan Web Creation's office in Girgaon. At around 11:30 they left the place, danced through the alleys along with traditional kacchi band with them.
I reached girgaon at 12. It was a kind of difficult to spot these guys as none of them were carrying cellphone and the streets were crowded with huge amount of spectators and various groups going around. But finally to my luck. One of the organizer was heading back at the initial point where I was just standing and wondering 'what to do?'. Well with him I went to his office, slipped in the yellow t-shirt and headed back to the group.
When we reached to our group, they had just spotted one handi and were eyin it. I had no clue of who was going to do what. All that I had decided was just stay behind the person in level-0 and support the person at level-1 without taking risk of carrying anyone. And people just came nearby encircled. Human ladders were formed. Slowly people at the higher level started scrambling on top. Pyramid was formed with a formation of 4-2-1-1 as this was easily managable. Once the pyramid is formed the topmost guy within no time broke the earthen pot and let the colored water fall on everyone. Boys came down systematically. This was followed by dance of joy with the music played by the band. The music and dance was also accompanied by splashing of water from both sides of the buildings.
The pace of the music reduced after some time and group moved ahead. Moving along the crowed everyone was shouting with different slogans like "Aawaj konaca? Devrukhe Yuvanca", "Tujhya gharat nahi pani, ghagar utani re...." and so on. After some interval of walk the music was replayed for more shaking of the body.
Countless number of groups also moved up and down the streets the other day. Few moved on bikes, few in tempos or truck, few had even set up scene along with their truck and the remaining walked. The only common thing by one can recognize them is the uniqness in there t-shirt design and color. We had yellow with red print on it. Our group was comparatively smaller with ametures in it and no mock practice. Hence could target mid-level handi's.
After breaking a couple of them, I thought of moving a step ahead and stood on level-0. With my weight ofcourse no one would have taken me on any other level higher than this. I later realized that this was the first time our group was trying for 5 levels. But it was too late I was already in. We were 5 people at level-0 and caught hands of alternate people. All that one could see was feet of other boys with you and there faces, with dynamically soaring weights on your shoulder. Its like you are totally engaged and can't even move your feet because it would affect each and everyone on top of you. Your body has to be so stiff and still that you cannot even scratch if you feel like. Its a matter of few minutes. Now in this place one cannot see what happens above you. So all you have to do is wait and check if you get a splash of water on you. If yes then your group has got the success in breaking pot. But instead if you feel a sudden pressure of weight from your shoulder to your neck that you can't stay straight it means the pyramid broke and some one has fallen on you.
This was one of the best experince ever. We managed with 9 handi. Our intention was to enjoy. Which we all did. Later everyone had delicious misal pav and dispersed.
1 comment:
You have described everything in such perfect way it reminded me the thrilling experience what we had. It was memorable day for all of us. Thanks for enjoying with us.
Regards,
Yashodhan
Devrukhe Yuva
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