Dahi Handi 2024: The Hindu festival of Dahi Handi, celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially in Maharashtra and Goa, marks the day after Krishna Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna. Also known as Gopalakala or Utlotsavam, this festival involves lively events and rituals. Read more about Dahi Handi, its significance, celebration date, and the traditional customs involved.
Dahi Handi 2024
Dahi Handi is a popular Hindu festival celebrated across India, especially with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra and Goa. This event is observed the day after Krishna Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, also known as Gokulashtami. In Maharashtra, the festival is commonly referred to as Gopalakala.
This year, Dahi Handi will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 27, following Janmashtami on Monday, August 26. The festival is not just a lively celebration of Lord Krishna but also a showcase of teamwork and physical endurance.
The streets come alive with the chant “Govinda Aala Re!” as teams, known as Govindas, form human pyramids to reach and break the Dahi Handi, filling the atmosphere with excitement and joy for everyone involved.
Dahi Handi 2024 Date and Timing
Dahi Handi is an annual celebration that takes place the day after Krishna Janmashtami. This year, Dahi Handi will be observed on Tuesday, August 27, following Janmashtami on Monday, August 26.
| Dahi Handi 2024 Date and Timing | ||
|---|---|---|
| Event | Date | Time |
| Ashtami Tithi Begins | August 26, 2024 | 3:39 AM |
| Ashtami Tithi Ends | August 27, 2024 | 2:19 AM |
Dahi Handi 2024 Significance
The Dahi Handi festival celebrates a cherished story from Lord Krishna’s childhood. As a young boy, Krishna was known for his love of curd and butter. His fondness for these treats grew so much that he, along with his friends, began to sneak into neighboring homes to steal them.
To safeguard their dairy products, the village women started hanging pots of curd and butter high up from the ceiling, hoping to keep them out of Krishna’s reach. But Krishna and his friends came up with a smart plan: they built a human pyramid to reach the pots that were out of their reach.
This mischievous and playful act is now a beloved part of Indian culture and is reenacted every year during Janmashtami by groups of boys.
Dahi Handi 2024 Celebration
Dahi Handi is a lively and important celebration in India, especially during the festival of Krishna Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. This event has become a popular sport in Maharashtra, drawing large crowds and enthusiastic participants.
The name “Dahi Handi” comes from two words: “Dahi,” which means curd, and “Handi,” which refers to an earthen pot. During the celebration, an earthen pot is filled with milk, curd, butter, or other dairy products and hung high up, often several stories above the ground.
Teams of people, known as Govindas, take on the challenge of breaking the Handi. They form human pyramids, standing on each other’s shoulders to reach the pot and smash it. As they try to do this, they chant “Govinda Aala Re!” which means “Govinda has come!” The excitement grows as people watching from below sometimes throw water or slippery liquids to make the task more difficult for the Govindas.
In recent times, Dahi Handi has become more than just a traditional event; it’s now a competitive sport with large cash prizes. The winning team can earn up to one crore rupees, making the competition fierce and thrilling. Beyond the physical challenge, the event brings everyone together to celebrate the playful and joyous spirit of Lord Krishna.
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Dahi Handi 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is Dahi Handi?
Ans. Dahi Handi is a Hindu festival celebrated the day after Krishna Janmashtami, featuring human pyramids that aim to break a pot of curd hung high above the ground.
Q.2. When is Dahi Handi 2024?
Ans. Dahi Handi 2024 will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 27, following Krishna Janmashtami, which is on Monday, August 26.
Q.3. What is the significance of Dahi Handi?
Ans. The festival reenacts the playful childhood antics of Lord Krishna, who would form human pyramids with his friends to steal curd and butter hung high by village women.
Q.4. How is Dahi Handi celebrated?
Ans. Participants, known as Govindas, form human pyramids to reach and break the Dahi Handi, while chanting “Govinda Aala Re!” The event is marked by excitement and sometimes slippery challenges.
Q.5. Are there prizes for Dahi Handi?
Ans. Yes, in recent years, Dahi Handi has become a competitive sport with substantial cash prizes, reaching up to one crore rupees for the winning team.
