Nick & I went out for a city tour on Labor Day (Monday, September 3rd), which happened to be the day after Janmashtami (see my last post). Dahi Handi is celebrated in the Maharashtra State (where Mumbai is located) on the day after Janmashtami. The term means “earthen pot of yogurt†and gets it’s theme from baby Krishna, who loved yogurt and butter and would go to great lengths to get them, even when adults put them out of his reach. In one legend it is said that he made a human pyramid with the help of his friends in order to access the yogurt, so on this day Indians honor his creativity and playful spirit by creating human pyramids of their own.
Across the city clay pots are filled with yogurt and hung high up, either on tall poles or from the second or third story of buildings. Teams of youth and boys (called Govindas) go around to these hanging pots and form human pyramids in an attempt to smash the pot and spill yogurt over the group. The spilled contents are seen as a celebratory offering. In many cities, this becomes a competition where teams can compete for prize money based on how many pots they are able to smash.
We had the good fortune of stumbling on one of these pyramid-building moments while we were out touring the city. We heard loud drums banging and followed the noise ‘til we found this gathering. The energy was absolutely contagious. This was a purely local gathering – not a tourist around. We were welcomed whole-heartedly though and several Indians were curious to hear what we thought of the spectacle.
As you might guess, this can be a little dangerous. The State of Maharashtra recently capped human pyramids at 6 levels high. Groups used to go as high as 10 or 11 but too many people were dying and so they altered the regulations. This year only 1 person died. I have to say, it was very impressive to watch.
Our group got very close but right as the top guy was going to strike the pot he lost his balance and fell. There must be some rule about trying again because he immediately came down off the tower.
At that point they just lowered the pot and one of the guys smashed it against his head (ouch?). It was still pretty awesome. The govindas thought so too. Check out these proud faces…
There was lots of celebrating to be done. I can’t believe how fortunate we were to have stumbled upon this moment. And although Nia had school, she also got to see a pyramid go up when she was stuck in traffic on the way home from school. You gotta admit, the Indians know how to throw a good festival. And just wait until I tell you about next week’s festival! You’re not gonna believe it…
