'Govindas' all the way as Mumbai celebrates 'dahi handi'

Courage, patience, concentration and teamwork of the 'govindas' in Mumbai 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 Rs31 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.