Janmashtami through the eyes of Govindas: Exploring Mumbai's spirit and traditions

The vibrant festival of Krishna Janmashtami 2024, also known as Gokulashtami in Mumbai, the city is infused with the enthusiastic energy of the Govindas - the daring men and women who construct human pyramids to reach and break the symbolic Dahi Handi.

Janmashtami is one of the most popular Hindu celebrations, commemorating Lord Krishna's birth. The occasion is widely commemorated across India, particularly in Mumbai. The Dahi Handi event, a festival highlight, involves teams of Govindas forming tall human pyramids to smash a pot filled with curd, butter, and other delicacies raised high above the ground. The event not only honours Krishna's youthful achievements but also represents the enduring bonds of community and cooperation.

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Janmashtami, in the eyes of these Govindas, is much more than a celebration; it is a monument to their dedication, planning, and the constant balance of thrill and safety.

The spirit of Janmashtami

The age-old custom of forming human pyramids to break ‘Dahi Handi' symbolises Lord Krishna's love for dairy and the lengths he went to eat dahi or curd and white butter-colloquially known as ‘loni'. It's more than just a display of physical prowess; it's also a profound expression of collaboration, faith, and cultural heritage, says Shardul Kharpude, a member of Bal Gopal Govinda Utsav Mandal, told mid-day when asked what the festival of Janmashtami means to him.

Bal Gopal Govinda Utsav Mandal is one of the oldest govinda pathak with a legacy of 100 years; they held their centenary celebrations in 2023.

Kharpude, elaborating further said the custom of Dahi Handi began when Marathi people from various places Roha, Mangaon, Chiplun, Sangameshwar, Lanja, and Rajapur in the Raigad and Ratnagiri districts came and settled in the chawls of Mumbai where mill workers predominantly lived. The tradition, he said, was brought by them to Mumbai and over the years the city has absorbed it as its own.

"Dahi Handi, for Govindas, is a positive way to channelise their energy and excitement," Kharpude added.

Geeta Zagade, who runs the Parle sports club-Mahila Govinda Pathak, too said, "Janmashtami, Dahi Handi celebration has been happening for ages."

Preparation: A journey of dedication

The route to Janmashtami is paved with meticulous preparation. Teams of Govindas, often composed of young men and, increasingly, women, begin practising months in advance. These training sessions focus on increasing endurance, improving balance, and, most importantly, practising the precise processes required to make human pyramids. The greater the handi, the more difficult the task, and hence the more diligent the practice.

Arun Patil, a veteran Govinda and the coach of Mazgaon Tadwadi Govinda Mandal said that when the Mandal was first formed, they would first practice in the dark since it was unheard of when they first started doing it to increase the layers of the human pyramid.

"Once we could form human pyramids of further layers ever so often, large audiences gathered whenever we played Dahi Handi. Other pathaks would come to observe us and understand the technique of how they could too increase layers. Many pathaks, even today, come to us for guidance. The success came because of practice," he observed.

Patil added that the sole reason to practice was to minimise injuries while maintaining the tradition of the game.

Elucidating further, Patil said, "We at Mazgaon, begin practicing starting June 11. Practising helps the participants gain confidence and boosts the team's confidence as a unit. Practice is one way of ensuring the injuries are nil. Physical fitness is equally important. I always recommend the Govindas take care of their physical fitness-either through exercise or playing field games-since being physically fit boosts confidence and helps maintain agility."

When asked how they mentally prepare for Dahi Handi, Kharpude said, "For Govindas, it's important to eat right and exercise. We start practice from Guru Purnima-which falls a month and a half before Gokulashtami. Apart from exercise, we have different mentors come and counsel our Govindas."

Geeta Zagade, who runs the Parle sports club- Mahila Govinda Pathak, too opined that practice is essential. She too added that they begin practicing at least a month in advance.

"While we are practising, we also take young girls along; girls below 14 cannot participate in events, but we encourage them to also play Dahi Handi during practice with all safety measures. When they practice from a young age, they will learn to not fear," Zagade said.

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Balancing tradition with safety

While the excitement of Dahi Handi is clear, it does not come without risks. Over the years, numerous injuries, some severe, have occurred as a result of falls during the pyramids' construction. This has resulted in heightened scrutiny and the installation of stronger safety protocols.

The government and municipal governments have also stepped in, imposing height restrictions on the pyramids and requiring the use of helmets and safety harnesses. However, despite these precautions, the risk cannot be avoided, and the Govindas are well aware of this.

All three-Arun Patil, Shardul Kharpude and Geeta Zagade-echo similar sentiments; they said that safety is paramount.

Responding to a question on safety measures their Mandal has undertaken, Kharpude said, "Special grip belts are made to be used by Govindas. If one wears a properly fastened grip belt, it prevents them from falling and getting injured."

Apart from the aforementioned, Kharpude says that they recommend their Govindas to not play with inadequate practice or after having consumed intoxicants. It spoils the sanctity of the festival, he said.

Meanwhile, Patil said that their Mandal too promotes safely playing Dahi Handi and added, "We advise Govindas to insure themselves. The mediclaim can help them in treatment if they do require it. The Govindas come from various backgrounds and for people to afford premiums of even Rs 100 was difficult. The Govindas federation took up this and after negotiations, it was brought down to Rs 75 which now the government takes care of."

He said that in 2014, while the Bombay High Court was hearing a case about Dahi Handi, it had issued recommendations to guarantee the safety of festival participants. These restrictions included an age restriction requiring participants to be at least 18 years old, a 20-foot height limit for human pyramids, necessary safety precautions such as proper safety equipment and medical facilities, and insurance coverage for participants in the event of an accident.

He said that although the HC relaced the age and height requirements after Supreme Court intervention in 2016, these measures are followed by all Govinda pathaks across the city.

A sense of community and belonging

Beyond the physical obstacles and spectacle of the Dahi Handi, Janmashtami has a deeper significance for the Govindas. Many people see it as an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and participate in a centuries-old ritual. It's also a time for bonding, as team members, who frequently originate from the same neighbourhoods, form stronger bonds through shared experiences.

This sense of community is evident in how the teams assist one another, both on and off the pitch. In the run-up to Janmashtami, there are several activities and gatherings where Govindas can come together, share their experiences, and form bonds.

"The Govindas need to trust each other while they are forming a human pyramid. Moreover, they practice together for so long and spend time with each other that the Mandal starts feeling like a family. It feels like a second home," said Patil, the veteran Govinda.

He added that the Mazgaon Mandal invests the prize money they win and use it for celebrations of other festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. He also remarked that they run charity drives including blood donation camps.

Kharpude added, "The boys of Govinda pathaks are the first ones to go and assist in rescue operations in case of calamities. Their sense of community is strong and so is their confidence which allows them to act with courage in times of crisis."

Women's participation

Geeta Zagade started her pathak nearly two decades ago and in these many years, she said, women's participation has increased manifold. She opined that women can do whatever they set their mind on and that forming a human pyramid is not a task.

"Seeing men's pathak, the thought that why can't women participate in it too and thus I began the all-women pathak. Initially, we only had a four-layer human pyramid and initially, we would be the centre of attraction everywhere. Soon we realised that this was all about technique and courage," she said.

Since 2006, we resented a six-layer pyramid and since then we have gone on to present it on a global stage. We have been awarded multiple accolades including one at New York.

However, with women's participation, there are limitations too since they are duty-bound and have to balance work and home.

People's outlook towards Dahi Handi has changed and it has paved the way for several women's Govinda pathaks to mushroom more than before. She also said that the parents of the girls participating in the sport have now begun backing them.

"Initially, parents would have apprehensions initially about the safety of their daughter. Having seen them safely build the pyramid and climb down, it reassures them," said Zagade whose daughter to participate in the same challenges.

Similarly, Kharpude said that his daughter is also a member of their pathak. He added that seeing other women practice, many are inspired to participate.

Arun Patil said one of the players from his team is married and she still comes to learn. He said that her in-laws have been encouraging after seeing her photos in newspapers.

Looking forward: The future of Janmashtami celebrations

As Janmashtami celebrations progress, so does the role of the Govindas. While the custom is deeply anchored in history, there is an increasing recognition of the need to adapt to modern sensibilities, particularly in terms of safety and inclusivity.

Zagade, speaking to mid-day.com, stated that Dahi Handi received adventure sport status in 2016, and a Pro Govinda League has begun which has been making people gravitate towards the sport. She also expressed gratitude to the Government for providing insurance covers.

She however lamented the minimum age restriction levied. Zagade said that since Dahi Handi is an adventure sport, young children should be taught and allay any fears they have in childhood.

"Our festival was starting to fade," Zagade said while talking about how litigations filed against these festivities made her feel. "I believe it's important to preserve our traditions. I want Dahi Handi to be taught in schools and colleges."