Janmashtami 2025: Significance of Dahi Handi celebration during Janmashtami
The festival of Krishna Janmashtami is here. The day commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This year, the festival falls on August 16, 2025.
The festival is incomplete without the elaborate Chhapan Bhog (56 dishes) offered to please the Lord. And another thing that is an integral part of the festival is the event of Dahi Handi. Let us explore its meaning and significance, as well as the art of making a perfect dahi at home.
What is Dahi Handi?
Dahi Handi is a traditional festive event associated with Krishna Janmashtami. In this event, a group of participants, called Govinda Pathaks, form a human pyramid to reach and break the pot filled with curd, butter, or other dairy products.
This pot, or "handi," is suspended high above the ground, making it a challenge to reach. The event is particularly popular in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, but it is celebrated with equal fervour in many other parts of India.
The event is lively, with music, cheering crowds, and sometimes prizes for the team that succeeds.
What does 'Dahi Handi' contain?
Traditionally, it contains Lord Krishna's favourites like yoghurt, nuts, ghee, and makhan.
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Historical and cultural significance
The tradition of Dahi Handi is deeply rooted in the stories of Lord Krishna's early life in Gokul. As a child, Lord Krishna was known for his love of butter and would often steal it from the homes of his neighbors. The young Krishna, often referred to as "Makhan Chor" or "butter thief," and his friends would form human pyramids to break pots of butter hung from the ceilings to keep them out of his reach.
This act of stealing butter is symbolic of Krishna's playful nature and his love for simple pleasures.
Dahi Handi, therefore, is a reenactment of these playful exploits of Krishna and serves as a reminder of the divine child's charm and innocence. It also symbolizes the victory of courage, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that Krishna embodied throughout his life.
Also Read: 11 traditional dishes prepared during the festival
What else it means?
In the contemporary context, participating in Dahi Handi is not just about winning the competition; it is also a display of strength, unity, and strategy.
Forming a human pyramid is a challenging task that requires immense physical strength, balance, and coordination among the team members. It is said that the event also fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity among the participants, as each member of the team must trust and rely on one another to reach the top.
It also signifies that together with trust and support of friends and family, one can surpass all hurdles and attain new heights in life through determination and teamwork.
Why is Dahi indispensable?
According to chef Sanjeev Kapoor's blog post, there are 5 reasons that proves dahi to be indispensable
Culinary Uses:
Dahi is a staple in many Indian dishes. It can be used to make raita, a cooling side dish or as a base for marinades enhancing the flavour and tenderness of meats and vegetables. It is also essential in making dishes like kadhi and dahi vada.
Health benefits:
Dahi is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
It aids digestion, boosts the immune system and can help in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Cooling effect:
In hot climates, dahi is often consumed to cool the body. It can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink like lassi or buttermilk, which helps to hydrate and cool down the body during summer.
Skincare:
Dahi is used in various beauty treatments. Its natural properties can help soothe sunburn, moisturise the skin, and even out skin tone.
It's often used in homemade face masks and scrubs for its exfoliating and hydrating benefits.
Cultural significance:
beyond its practical uses, dahi holds cultural importance in many Indian rituals and festivals.
Also Read: 5 diabetes-friendly sweet recipes for Janmashtami bhog
How to make perfect dahi
In his post, he has explained the art of making perfect dahi as well. All you have to do is heat a liter of full cream milk, bring it to a boil and reduce to around four cups. Remove from heat and cool it till it comes to a temperature of 45 degrees.
Add one tablespoon of thick yogurt and mix evenly with a spoon or churn/whisker. Transfer the mixture into an earthenware pot and allow it to sit in a warm place (at 43 degrees) for four hours in summer and otherwise may take longer.
In winter or in places at higher altitudes one can always wrap the pot in which you are setting the yogurt in a blanket or a similar warm wrapping. Always remove a small quantity aside for setting the yogurt for the following day before you consume the rest. Refrigerate once set.
All Images Courtesy: istock
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