I had in the past covered Gokulastami festival several times and have in stock many images of it. So I had no plan to visit the festival this time. Just then the Swine flu scare happened in Mumbai. Few deaths were reported.  Television channels not to be left behind on TRP rating had it all hyped up. It was a familiar sight in the streets of Mumbai people wearing face mask ostensibly to protect from the contagious virus.  Then we had warning from the jittery Government to tone down the festival as they felt that a large gathering, which normally this festival draw, would further spread the virus. The schools, college and Multi-plexs were closed for a week

I wanted to see for myself how the festival would turn out to be with Swine flu virus having scared the people to death. I chose to visit Dadar the hub of Dahi Handi ceremony. The turnout of Govindas was massive like any other previous festivals. The festival fervor and spirit was very much in evident among the Govindas.  The Govindas revellers went around breaking Dahi Handi hung up at street corners and then the usual breaking in to jig once they successfully formed the human pyramid ( main attraction of the festival) in  breaking the dahi handi. Apart from the usual merriment and joy displayed at the festival, one thing that was missing that was the large crowd. Normally we have huge turnout of people to watch the Dahi handi ceremony. The people response was muted. Less people this time were seen watching the spectacular human pyramid. For me as a photographer it was an advantage with less crowd as there were no shoving and jostling. I could manage to get closer to the human pyramid to take close shots which was unthinkable in previous festivals.

One another observation I would like to make is the indiscriminate use of innocent children some as small as 5- 10 years taking part in dahi handi ceremony. They were used because of their light weight and fragile body which make it easier for them to climb swiftly reaching the top layer of the human pyramid within striking distance of the hanging dahi handi. Some were seen crying or irritant as they were being coxed and cajoled to take part in it. There is also a risk factor in the human pyramid. A fall from the top would break your bones and land you in hospital. In case of boys between 10 – 15 years they were the happier lot as they were carried on shoulders in a victory procession on successfully breaking the dahi handi.    

About the festival -

“A Govinda is a youth who takes part in the Dahi-Handi ceremony. A Dahi-Handi is a clay pot containing curd that is hung some four-stories above the middle of the road between buildings. A huge amount of prize money is tied with the Handi. Whoever breaks it can claim the prize money.

The main attraction of the event is the human pyramids Govindas form to get their hands on the Dahi-Handi. When they do, they break it with a coconut and the curd spills down. As a pyramid of Govindas near a Dahi-Handi, people perched on nearby rooftops try to stop them by pouring buckets full of water on them.

The day preceding Gokulashtami is the important day of Janmastami, which is celebrated all over India by the Hindu community.

Midnight on the day of Janmastami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered gods of the Hindu community. On this day people undertake fasts and hold special prayers at home and in temples. Small children are attired as Lord Krishna.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna had a liking for curd and would steal to get it; therefore, curd was kept suspended on a rope near the roof by his mother. Dahi-Hundi is an enactment of the Lord Krishna's act.