For most people, Shrawan Vadya Navami is far more important. Why? Well, that is the day of fun-n-frolic. Yes, it is the 'dahi handi' day, a day both the govinda's and the celebrities love a lot. The govinda's like it because on this day, they can perform, enact, literally live their skill of forming a human pyramid.
The celebrities like it because they manage to get the 'supari', which is nothing but a generously paid-for invite for such events. How did this celebration of "dahi handi" begin?
The answer lies in Kanhaiya's childhood. At Nanda's 'gokul', the lovably naughty kid would form such a pyramid with his friends to break open the earthen pots tied up, quite high for a child otherwise. Literally would there be a sheer shower of milk, buttermilk, butter and ghee that Yashoda Maiya and all the other gopi's would keep ready for sale in the local market.
The lovely little toddler thus showered with the milk products would look so cute that all these tasty offences would be immediately forgiven to this culprit. Even when he grew up and became a cowherd, each of his lunches would be with his companions. Sharing and caring, the theme of his existence ever since childhood, thus got highlighted. Hence the "dahi handi" to commemorate this togetherness.
As Aai was from Pandharpur, we would prepare 'gopal kala' for breakfast, as it is the practice there. Believe me, it is unbelievably tasty, absolutely yummy, what with the perfect sizzle of the asafoedita and cumin seeds atop the tangy curd soaked puffed rice with a perfect mix of salt and sugar, and garnished with ginger and finely chopped coriander leaves.
Beyond such surfeit of the taste buds, what does the ritual mean? In my opinion, Krishna, an organic leader emerging from within the common people, understood the need for shared bonds with his community. So he lived with them, ate with them without much ado for his status as Nanda's son. In brief, he preached and practised a happy bonhomie, a joyous togetherness with his people. Hence the title of this blog!
Pratima@Every year the 'dahi handi' gets tied up higher and higher by the organiser cum the local leader who would thus gain fame and name. But does anyone care for the safety of the players who perform these stunts? Are they granted any help in case there is an unfortunate accident? Are they health insured?
Well, in Spain, this adventure sports is a hot favourite. But the performers wear helmets during the actual show, and they are health insured as well. In the India today, such precautions would truly make the traditional togetherness in to the most meaningful meal.
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