During the Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami, Dahi Handi is observed as a sport. Janmashtami is a festival which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. The festive event celebrates the life of Lord Krishna as a child.
Dahi Handi is observed next day after Janamasthmi and it is known as Gokulashtami. This year it will be observed on August 25 as Janamasthami falls on August 24.
On Dahi Handi which is basically a community event, people come together to form a human pyramid to break the earthen pot filled with curd which is hung at a height from the ground.
In Maharashtra, Dahi Handi celebration is also known as Gopalkala. The event is popular in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. Dahi Handi is the favorite sport of Lord Krishna who loves butter and curd.
Traditionally milk products are stored in earthen pots known as Handi is hung on the walls and Lord Krishna who is believed to have been quite mischievous during his childhood would steal butter from these pots and mostly ends up breaking the pots. Krishna’s friends would form a human pyramid helping their friend climb on their top to reach the pots hung at a height.
Dahi Handi competitions are a huge affair with a large number of people participating in the festivities.
Krishna Janmashtami 2019: Date, significance, puja timings and celebrations