New Delhi: The lively celebration of Dahi Handi takes place the day after Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami. On this occasion, young boys come together to form a human pyramid, aiming to break an earthen pot (handi) filled with fresh butter or curd, which is suspended at a challenging height. This activity is a reenactment of Lord Krishna's playful acts of stealing maakhan during his childhood. The festival is particularly popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Dahi Handi 2023: Date
Dahi Handi festival is observed the day after Lord Krishna's birthday (Janmashtami). The sport is also called Gopal Kala, named after a dish made with sweet jaggery, beaten rice, and creamy yoghurt. In addition to the fun handi-breaking event, earthen pots filled with fresh butter, milk, or curd are offered to Lord Krishna, reflecting his fondness for these delicacies.
Here are the date and timings as per Drik Panchang:
Dahi Handi on Thursday, September 7, 2023
- Parana as per Dharma Shastra
Parana Time- after 04:14 PM, Sep 07
On Parana Day Ashtami Tithi End Time- 04:14 PM
On Parana Day Rohini Nakshatra End Time - 10:25 AM
- Alternate Parana as per Dharma Shastra
Parana Time - after 06:13 AM, Sep 07
Parana can be done on the next day sunrise after Deva Puja, Visarjan etc.
- Parana as per modern tradition in society
Parana Time - after 12:44 AM, Sep 07
At many places in India, Parana is done after Nishita i.e. Hindu midnight
Dahi Handi 2023: History & Significance
The festival of Dahi Handi commemorates Lord Krishna's joyful and mischievous nature during his childhood. He had a great fondness for butter and curd, which grew over time, leading him to cleverly steal them. To keep the delicacies safe from him, the women of the community hung them at a considerable height. However, this did not deter Lord Krishna and his friends, who devised human pyramids to reach the pots, earning him the epithet 'Makhanchor' (the butter thief).
Dahi Handi 2023: Celebration
During the Dahi Handi festivities, a large earthen pot is usually filled with fruits, honey, butter, curd, and milk. It is then suspended at a height ranging from approximately twenty to forty feet. To reach the top and break the pot, young men and boys form human pyramids by supporting each other's shoulders, with the last individual, known as 'Govinda,' reaching the highest point.
Over the years, the Dahi Handi ritual has evolved into a community festival with teams competing to break the highest-hanging pots within a set time. The event garners enthusiastic cheers from the crowds as young participants scramble to reach and break the earthen pots. This tradition has gained recognition as one of the most captivating and widely known indigenous sports in the country.