Mumbai Celebrates Dahi Handi on Janmashtami

GOVINDA ALA RE! Mumbai celebrates Dahi Handi on Janmashtami. The traditional festival marks the anniversary of the birth of Lord Krishna and is based on the legend that Krishna as a child used to steal butter and curd from a pot tied and suspended from a height by his mother.Hundreds of youngsters participate in the ritual and are known as 'Govinda', another name for Krishna.Surrounded by cheering crowds, the human pyramids try to reach the earthen pot hung more than 20 feet high (6 metres) with the help of a rope.Those who succeed are rewarded with cash prizes and trophies.A recent order by the Indian Supreme court banned those below 18 years of age from participating in the human pyramids and limited the height of the pyramids to 20 feet (6 metres) only.In many places, participants use ladders to reach the pot to comply with the court order.