Krishna Janmashtami!

Dear bloggers,

Wishing everyone a happy krishna janmashtami. I dont think there is any individual in this world who doesn't love the innocence and the charm of baby Krishna!

In Karnataka ,the idol of Lord Krishna is placed in a decorated Mantapa on which the Bhakshanam (snacks and sweets in Sanskrit) that are specially prepared for the festival are suspended along with fruits considered the favourites of Lord Krishna. In the interiors of Karnataka Chakli, Avalakki and Bellada Panaka are prepared especially for the festival. Hand made Avalakki is prepared in memory of Krishna's friend Sudhama gifting a fist full of Avalakki, the favourite of Krishna. Gamaka vachana and other devotional activities are held in the evening.

In Maharashtra

Govinda Pathaks forming human tower to break the Dahi handiJanmaashtami, popularly known in Mumbai and Pune as Dahi Handi is celebrated with enormous zeal and enthusiasm. The handi is a clay pot filled with buttermilk that was positioned at a convenient height prior to the event; the topmost person on the human pyramid tries to break the handi by hitting it with a blunt object, and when that happens, the buttermilk is spilled over the entire group, symbolizing their achievement through unity. Various Handis are set up locally in several parts of the city, and groups of youngsters, called Govinda, travel around in trucks trying to break as many handis as possible during the day.

Many such Govinda Pathaks compete with each other, especially for the handis that dole out hefty rewards. The event, in recent times, has gathered a political flavor, and it is not uncommon for political parties, and rich community groups to offer prizes amounting to lakhs of rupees.

Some of the most famous handis are at Dadar, Mazgaon, Lalbaug, Thane and Babu Genu, Mandai in Pune
Cash and gifts are offered for Govinda troops to participate; for over 4000 Handis in Mumbai, 700 Govinda troops compete for the prizes.