Significance and celebrations of Dahi Handi on Krishna Janmashtami
Significance and celebrations of Dahi Handi – You may have heard or seen the Dahi handi celebrations held around Janmashtami. But, do you know what is the Significance of Dahi Handi? If not, read on to know about Significance and celebrations of Dahi Handi on Krishna Janmashtami.
One of the most important festivals for Hindus, Janmashtami symbolize the birth of Lord Krishna. Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who was born to Devaki and Vasudeva. He also played a vital role in helping the Pandavas winning the battle of Kurukshetra.
It was predicted that the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudev would kill the evil king Kansa, brother of Devaki. Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudev and went on to kill all their six children to prevent the prediction from coming true. He could not kill the seventh child as she flew away from his hands. On the night of Krishna’s birth, the Gods directed Vasudeva to carry baby Krishna to Vrindavan to Yashoda and Nand, which he complied.
Significance and celebrations of Dahi Handi
At Vrindavan, Krishna was the naughtiest child. He was popular across the village for his mischiefs. Krishna, along with his friends, used to steal and eat Makhan or white butter, curd and milk. People of Vrindavan gave him the name ‘Makhan Chor’. The women of Vrindavan started tying their freshly churned makhan at a greater height so that Krishna couldn’t reach the pot. But Lord Krishna with his friends started stealing makhan by making human pyramids. And after breaking the pot, he used to distribute it among his friends. Krishna was still loved by all the villagers.The ritual of Dahi Handi is an emulation of the actions of Lord Krishna.
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Significance and celebrations of Dahi Handi
Celebrations
On the occasion of Janmashtami, various groups fight for the handi. These groups are called mandals. The boy who stands at the top of the pyramid is called Govinda. The ritual is most famous in Gujarat, Dwarka and Mumbai. A pot is filled with makhan, ghee, almonds and nuts alongwith some money is tied at a height. Boys make the pyramid in order to break the pot and earn rewards.
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In Tamil Nadu, Dahi Handi is called ‘Uriadi’. In Maharashtra, Dahi Handi plays a very important role. Mandals start practicing weeks before the actual event. These groups go around the local areas to break as many pots as possible during the event.
Significance and celebrations of Dahi Handi
On the day of Janmashtami, devotees visit the Krishna temples to seek his blessings. Devotees offer prayers and bhog to their Lord. Hindu families bath the idol of baby Krishna with milk, honey, and water, and dress him up in new clothes. In the evening, devotees gather in the temple to listen to folklores, songs celebrating Krishna’s life.
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