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Ceremony of Dahi Handi
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Celebration of Janmashtami, birth of the famous Lord
Krishna includes a number of ceremonies like, Raslila, Jhankis
(tableaux) etc. Dahi Handi is a popular ceremony, celebrated with lot of
enthusiasm and glee. Dahi Handi is an enactment of Lord Krishna's
efforts to steal butter from Matka (earthen pot) suspended from the
ceiling.
The Celebrations
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 20-30 feet high in the air with the help of a rope. Silver coins
are hung along with the rope,which are later distributed as prize to the
winners. Enthusiastic young men, form a human pyramid by standing one on
top of the other, trying to break the pot. Onlookers throw water on the
young men in order to prevent them from breaking the pot. Breaking of
the pot is followed by prize distribution. Devotees believe that the
broken pieces of earthen pot will keep away mice and negative powers
from their homes.
Dahi Handi is celebrated with fervor, especially in the twin cities of
Mathura - Vrindavan, Dwarka and Mumbai. Young men in Mumbai yell 'Ala re
ala, Govinda ala' during the ceremony.
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