Drought conditions in Maharashtra take its toll on dahi-handi celebrations

Dahi-handi celebrations is a part and parcel of celebration of Janmashtami or the birth of Lord Sri Krishna and, while it is a major festival in some places like Mathura and Dwarka, the people of Mumbai love the dahi-handi part more than flocking to the temples to offer prayers. This is probably because of renowned Bollywood film stars who have imparted the festivities with songs and dance sequences that the commoners have lapped up. Lord Krishna is fondly called Govinda who loves milk products like dahi (curd), and hence the name ‘dahi handi’ or earthen pot of curd.
Anyway, this year, it has been a low key affair because of the drought conditions and also due to restrictions imposed on height of pyramids as well as curbs on decibel levels. In fact, many prominent mandals have called off the celebrations citing the acute drought in various parts of the state.
This has been reported in ndtv.com dated 6 September 2015.

The festivities are all about climbing a pyramid of people to reach the top and snatch away the pot full of treasure – this can, at times, run into several lakhs of rupees. Those who are able to do so get anointed as the modern day Lord Krishna. And, most of these groups enjoy political patronage.
Like past years, there have been reports of several 'Govindas' falling while attempting to break the handis (earthen pot) and at least one loss of life has been reported also.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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