Mumbai: Courage, patience, concentration and teamwork of the 'Govindas' in the city was on display as Mumbaikars woke up to the sounds of youngsters going around the city in processions, vying for prized 'dahi handis'.
With prizes as high as Rs 31 lakh at some places, the youngsters, including some all-women troupes, wounded their way to the 'handis' in Mumbai and adjoining Thane, vying for the prizes.
The objective is to break a clay pot filled with butter or curd, tied to a rope as high as around 40 feet. Youngsters form a pyramid to reach the handi and attempt to break it even as their efforts are attempted to be thwarted by water splashed on them by those gathered.
Lord Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in Shravan month. The day was celebrated as Janmashtami yesterday. Today it is Gopal Kala, which literally means to eat different foods mixed together - as Krishna is believed to have done with his cowherd friends.
Last year, the swine flu scare subdued the 'dahi handi' celebrations in Mumbai. This year, the festival comes in the backdrop of rising malaria cases in the financial capital.
Of the over 600 'Govinda mandals' in the city, the most popular are at Dadar and Worli, in central Mumbai. The event is expected to continue throughout the day and late into the night.
Bollywood made the 'dahi handi' celebrations popular by depicting it on the silver screen.
So, when the entire city is abuzz with `Govindas' vying for prized dahi handis, prominent film personalities have tweeted their wishes on the occasion.
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan said, "Happy Janmashtami! Reminded of my song 'mach gaya shor ..' from Khuddar... hathi ghoda palki, jai kanhaiya lal ki !! Love peace happiness to all .."
Actor Riteish Deshmukh, tweeted: "Govinda Aala re aala, zara matki sambhal brijbala'. Drums playing all over..love festivities."
Shahid Kapoor was a bit mild, saying: "Happy Janmashtami to all."
Actress Dia Mirza said: "Dahi handi can cause quite a stir in Mumbai! It proves, to reach out to your hearts' desires you need to combine love, trust n balance!"
And for the record, Shammi Kapoor (twitter handle shamsher), whose 'Govinda Ala Re' number by Rafi in Bluff Master (1963) was a trend setter for Bollywood songs of this genre, is so far silent on the festivities around! PTI
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