"So since you would like to know more, well The birth of Lord Krishna, Janmashtami, is celebrated with pomp and fervour throughout India. Devotees usually observe fasts, sing devotional songs in praise of the lord, participate in Dahi Handi celebrations, hold ceremonies in temples where Lord Krishna is welcomed each year and more. They also celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, singing, praying together, preparing and sharing special food, night vigils, and visiting Krishna or Vishnu temples. Major Krishna temples organize recitation of ''Bhagavad Purana and Bhagavad Gita. Many communities organize dance-drama events called Rasa Lila or Krishna Lila. Dahi Handi or Dahi Handi festival or Utlotsavam is one of the festive events and a team sport during the Hindu festival Gokulashtami (Janmashtami).
Lord Krishna was very spirited and naughty as a child. His love for 'makkhan' (a dairy product) and 'dahi' (curd) and all other dairy products drove him to steal them from the residents of Vrindavan. His foster mother would have to tie him up in an attempt to stop him from stealing from their neighbours.
When the people used to tie their pots of curd at a height, Lord Krishna and his friends used to build a pyramid, standing on each other, and eat the curd from the pot. This is the reason that Dahi Handi is celebrated during Janmashtami. Kids in societies build a small Dahi Handi and try to break it for enjoyment. There are innumerable Dahi Handis hung with the help of rope in between two buildings, or in between the road, joining an end of the building on either side. Groups containing hundreds of elder members come to compete with other groups! Some of the tes even consist of members in their mid - teens! And it's not only boys who have their groups, there are many girls' groups too! These public Dahi Handis by the government or people of the respective town, not only have a few hundred rupees for prizes, but tbe prizes are upto lakhs of rupees, making the teams even more excited! Sometimes, when none of the team is able to break the Handi (the pot in which curd is kept), the competition goes on for late night hours! There's a loud chorus from the team members and audience, not only when a te breaks a Handi, but also when the teams fall and try again and again! There are drumbeats playing everywhere on loud speakers or on the drums, the atmosphere is very lively and enthusiastic! The excitement doesn't lie only within this, there are various competitions held for children like drama, fancy dress, drawing, etc."
"Cool," Chris said nodding his head.
Author Ciara Webb
Story written by Ciara Webb
Co-26Khayali
Co-author Mansi Rupesh More
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