Every year on the occasion of Janmashtami, Dahi Handi is celebrated in different parts of the country. In this traditional game, the youth make a human pyramid to break the pot. This festival is very popular especially in Maharashtra. But have you ever thought about when and how this tradition of dahi handi started? Let’s know about the origin of this game, the beliefs associated with it and its importance on the occasion of Janmashtami.
When is the festival of Dahi Handi?
The festival of Dahi Handi is celebrated with great gaiety as it symbolizes the pastimes of Lord Krishna. Earlier this festival was mainly celebrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat, but now it is celebrated in many other places also with pomp. This year Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on 6th September, and Dahi Handi का पर्व will be celebrated on the next day of Janmashtami, 7th September.
This is how the tradition of Dahi Handi began.
The game of Dahi Handi is associated with the life of Lord Krishna. This tradition is related to his child form ‘Makhanchor’. It is believed that in Nandgaon and Vrindavan, Shri Krishna used to go from house to house with his friends and steal butter and curd kept in pots. The original celebration of this game started from Vrindavan and Gokul, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Later this tradition was also popular in Maharashtra and other states.
It is said that Krishna and his friends used to climb on each other’s shoulders to steal butter from the pot hanging at a height. Commemorating this event, the tradition of dahi handi started, where a stick is tied to a high place and young people try to break it by making a pyramid. Actually, the Dahi Handi festival is inspired by the incidents of butter theft during Lord Krishna’s childhood. The message of unity and facing life’s challenges is embedded in this traditional game, which is celebrated with pomp on the day after Janmashtami.
Myths associated with Dahi Handi
There are many religious and cultural beliefs behind the tradition of Dahi Handi. Mainly it is believed that breaking a pot full of curd and butter is a symbol of facing the challenges of life. Just as Krishna broke the matki by facing various difficulties, this game inspires us to achieve our goals while facing the difficulties of life. Also, the tradition of breaking matki is considered a symbol of Lord Krishna’s courage, wisdom and resolve. The youth who participate in this game fearlessly move towards their goal like the child form of Lord Krishna.
Importance of curd handi on Janmashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The main purpose of celebrating this day is to remember the pastimes of Lord Krishna. Organizing Dahi Handi on the occasion of Janmashtami is an important tradition. This game symbolizes the story of Krishna’s childhood in which he stole butter.
Special significance in Maharashtra
This festival has special significance in Maharashtra. Large scale Dahi Handi events are held here. In it, teams of Govindas gather to break the matki. These events are very exciting, in which thousands of people participate. Along with this, it also has a sense of religious belief and faith.
The courage performed by the young Govindas during Dahi Handi not only reflects their physical prowess but also symbolizes the spirit of solidarity and teamwork.
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