It is that time of the year when chants of 'Govinda Ala Re!' rend the air. In Maharashtra, youths dance on the
streets to the accompaniment of cymbals and drums and usher in the festival of Gokulashtami.
In Mumbai and some other parts of the state, the festival takes on a colourful look as dahi handis (earthen pots filled with fruits, curd and money) are broken.
Breaking the pots, tied several feet above the ground, is a daunting task. People form human pyramids to reach it and lay their hands on the prize money inside.
Now that the assembly election is approaching, the festival has taken a more political hue, with parties offering huge cash prizes for those who are able to reach the pots.
The Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena are the top players in this game.
Organisers take police permission and a no-objection certificate from the traffic police, as most of the handis dangle above roads.
People who are expert in breaking handis organise training camps two month in advance. Youths are taught how to maintain their balance, how the reach the target and how to fall down.
Lalbaugh, Parel
Prize: Rs 1,51,000 if the handi is broken using an eight-block pyramid. For a seven-block pyramid the incentive is Rs 5,000; for a six-block Rs 750; for five, Rs 350.
A five-block pyramid comprising women can win Rs 5,000; and a four-block structure, Rs 3,000.
Any number of groups can try, but there is a time limit of 2000 IST.
Last year, a seven-block pyramid broke this handi.
"To do it with nine is a record in itself. In rare cases, an eight is possible," organising committee member Prakash Dhuri said
Photographs: Jewella C Miranda
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Govinda Ala Re!