Janmashtami: History and why we celebrate

Celebrate Dahi Handi
Dahi Handi (pot of curd) is celebrated on the second day of Janmashtami. Shri Krishna, as a child was very naughty. He loved butter. He would steal butter prepared by the gopis. When the gopis complained to his foster mother Devaki, she ran behind him with a stick in hand to punish him. She could not catch infant Krishna. She decided to tie him with a rope. Krishna allowed her to tie him as he knew that his mother loves him a lot. She did not punish him. She scolded Krishna and told him not to steal butter again. Krishna's charismatic smile made her heart melt. She hugged little Krishna. Thus little Krishna got the name, Makhanchor (one who steals butter) due to this. Krishna is also fondly called as Devakinandan (Devaki's son).

Dahi Handi is celebrated to mimic the stealing of butter by Krishna. An earthen pot containing butter, ghee (milk fat), dry fruits and milk is hung at a height with the help of a rope. Energetic men make a human pyramid and climb on each other to reach the pot and the break the pot. Later Dahikala (ingredients in the pot) is distributed among everyone. Dahi Handi celebration encourages working in a team, thus signifies the importance of team work.

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