Dahi Handi 2025 Celebrations: One of Mumbai’s most anticipated cultural events is the colorful festival of Dahi Handi, which is celebrated with tremendous fervor around Janmashtami. On the following day of Krishna Janmashtami, the cities of Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate Dahi Handi, also called Gopalakala in Maharashtra. “Handi” means “earthen pot used to process and store milk products,” while “Dahi” means “the curd.”

Chants, music, and the audacious human pyramids constructed by energetic groups known as Govinda Pathaks will fill the streets as the city prepares for another Janmashtami on August 16. However, what is this custom and who are these Govindas?

Lord Krishna’s early exploits are reenacted at the Dahi Handi festival. When Krishna was younger, he used to steal butter from neighborhood families’ clay pots since he loved it so much. They began suspending milk products like a chandelier from the ceiling to keep them out of reach.

However, Krishna, the mischievous one, came up with the concept of building a human pyramid. He used to smash the hanging pot by scaling his parents’ roof. Since then, Govinda Pathaks have brought this legend to life. Every year on Janmashtami, the small group of boys and girls performs this scene from Lord Krishna’s life.

Who Is Govinda Pathak?

Devoted groups of performers called Govindas or Govinda Pathaks take part in the renowned Dahi Handi event. To represent the playful actions of young Lord Krishna, boys and girls construct intricate human pyramids to smash dangling clay pots filled with curd, milk, butter, and nuts.

Govinda Pathak: Their Activities

Dahi Handi is more than just a custom for the Govindas. For weeks, teams practice together, concentrating on fall safety, balancing exercises, and core strength. The objective? In a display of strength, solidarity, balance, and unwavering bravery, climb teammates in a tiered human pyramid and crush the handi.

The sport has gained new significance and inclusion in recent years because of the participation of female Govinda Pathaks and even visually challenged groups. In 2010, the Nayan Foundation taught Mumbai’s first Govinda pathak, who were sight handicapped. Through celebration, adventure, and community, the foundation is uplifting the lives of visually impaired youngsters and shattering boundaries.