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Home  » Get Ahead » Dahi Handi: A Magical Night To Remember

Dahi Handi: A Magical Night To Remember

By RAJESH KARKERA
August 28, 2024 12:08 IST
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The Dahi Handi festival continues to have many heartwarming moments, discovers Rediff.com's Rajesh Karkera.

Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai hold a special place in my heart.

Growing up in a chawl in Khar, north west Mumbai, this festival meant playful mornings, waiting for the rain -- it always rains on Krishna Janmashtami -- and trying to break a handi (earthen pot) filled with goodies, hung high up by our elders.

It was a joyous experience that culminated in a celebratory lunch with all the children in the chawl.

Over the years, however, the way Mumbai celebrates Dahi Handi has changed.

It is now a grander affair, often politicised.

Local politicians cordon off certain areas, erecting huge pandals with pots suspended on cranes, far beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Large groups of Govindas -- as the youngsters who break these handis are called -- roaming on open trucks, tempos, bikes and cars, blowing loud horns and dancing to even louder music can be disruptive and create a sense of unease within ordinary people trying to navigate crowded roads.

That's how I used to feel. But now, as I am older, and hopefully a bit wiser, I've begun to see things differently.

On August 27, while visiting my neighbourhood in Thakur Village, Kandivali, north west Mumbai, I was met with blaring music on the main road, cordoned off for the celebrations.

Dahi handi celeberations

All Photographs, Video: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

The first sight that grabbed my attention was a young boy, completely uninhibited, dancing on his brother's shoulders with complete trust.

Dahi handi celeberation in Mumbai

The crowd that had gathered to see the breaking of the handi comprised a variety of people, which is what you will see at any sarvajanik festival in Munbai.

Some sported quirky headgear.

This young man belonged to a group that aimed to build the highest possible human pyramid, which is a popular trend these days because it promises a bigger cash prize from the political organisers.

The goal is not to break the handi. The goal is to form the highest possible human pyramid.

Dahi handi in Mumbai

It was a muggy night but when has that ever deterred Mumbaikars?

There were couples, families with young children and senior citizens, all enjoying the spectacle safely from a distance.

Dahi Handi Celeberations in Mumbai

The energy was infectious, a testament to the community spirit that festivals like Dahi Handi can foster.

 

Dahi handi celeberation in Thakur Village, Mumbai

There was a sprinkling of celeb dust as well, as a television actor graced the stage with a quick speech and good wishes for the Govindas.

To immerse yourself in the frenzy, do click on the video below:

 

Everyone joined in the spirit of the celebration, capturing their favourite moments on their cell phones.

Dahi handi celeberation in Thakur Village, Mumbai

Seeing this sea of people on the street even after sundown, I realised that these events, despite often being politicised, serve a purpose.

They bring people together, creating a shared experience that rekindles childhood memories.

Maybe these celebrations are exactly what we need to strengthen our community spirit, at least during festivals.

And last but not the least....

 

Mumbai Police keeping the city safe

A salute to the Mumbai Police, who brave all hardships and ensure the safety of everyone present.

Dahi Handi

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RAJESH KARKERA / Rediff.com