Dahi Handi 2025: The wild origin story that turned a pot of curd into Janmashtami's most dangerous and thrilling ritual

Time of India

8 hours ago

How do you celebrate Krishna Janmashtami? Maybe you fast, pray at midnight, sing bhajans for Lord Krishna, or watch Rasa Lila plays. But for many, Janmashtami also means clambering up on human pyramids to break a pot of curd, the thrilling tradition called Dahi Handi.
The real reason behind Dahi Handi
If you've ever wondered why this tradition exists, the answer lies in Krishna's childhood in Vrindavan. Hindu mythology says young Krishna was a mischievous boy who loved maakhan (butter), curd, and milk. He didn't just wait for it to be served, he'd sneak into homes and steal it. This earned him the nickname Maakhan Chor (butter thief).
The women of Vrindavan tried to outsmart him by hanging pots of butter high up, out of his reach. But Krishna, never one to give up, would gather his friends, form a human pyramid, and snatch the butter anyway. That playful spirit is exactly what Dahi Handi celebrates.
From Vrindavan to across India
Over time, this butter-stealing story grew into a full-blown community festival celebrated across India. An earthen pot, filled with curd, milk, butter, and sometimes dry fruits, is hung several floors above the ground, and teams, called mandals, compete to reach it.
The one who climbs to the top is the Govinda, representing Krishna himself. But there's a twist, people from surrounding balconies throw water and slippery liquids to make it harder, just as the women of Vrindavan once tried to protect their butter.
Today, Dahi Handi is more than just a ritual, it's a mix of devotion, sport, and celebration. Crowds come together, music plays loudly, and teams from different places try to win the prize. When the pot finally breaks, milk and curd pour over the pyramid, and everyone cheers loudly.
Moreover, states like Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate this festival with great excitement. In Maharashtra, it is also called Gopalakala. Since 2022, Gopalakala has been officially recognised as a sport in the state. Then chief minister Eknath Shinde announced the launch of 'Pro Dahi Handi', where Govindas, the participants, will get job opportunities under the sports quota and an insurance cover too.
"प्रो गोविंदा पर्व ३ रे" या कार्यक्रमाच्या दुसऱ्या फेरीला मी सहकुटुंब उपस्थित राहिलो.या फेरीत माझ्या "शूर मुंबईकर" संघाने खेळाचे उत्तम सादरीकरण केले. त्यांच्यातील समन्वय पाहण्यासारखा होता. एकमेकांना सहाय्य करत त्यांनी सुंदर पद्धतीने मानवी थर रचले. संघाचे प्रशिक्षक श्री.सुशांत… pic.twitter.com/T7nN82eUMh
Dahi Handi 2025
Krishna Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, August 16, marking the 5,252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. This year, Dahi Handi will be taking place on the same day.
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