In housing colonies, dahi handi is about celebrating tradition

For many Govindas, dahi handi is more than just breaking the earthen pot; it's about celebrating a tradition. Bhavya Dore reports.

For many Govindas, dahi handi is more than just breaking the earthen pot; it's about celebrating a tradition.

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For those who celebrated Gokul Ashtami in housing colonies on Thursday, dahi handis remained true to form, continuing as repositories of dahi, flowers, fruits with small amounts of money thrown in.

Most bylanes were festooned with one- and two-storey high dahi handis, with children no taller than 4 ft attempting to live out their vertical dreams.

While the politically-affiliated mandals offered big cash prizes and best DJs, housing colonies preferred to keep it traditional. Residents pool contributions to set up the handis.

"At our building my grandfather started the tradition, and we have upheld it in the same way this year too," said Sagar Palav, a Parel resident. "It's not about the money, it's about celebrating a tradition."

"The fun is in climbing the pyramids. We have too much fun to think about being scared," said Pranay Keni (11), a veteran of several non-competitive dahi handi events in Mahim.

Such participants might practice a few days before the event, and sometimes not at all. "It's the chance to enjoy the festival with friends and neighbours," said Ankit Tejani (20) from Andheri.