The colours of Janmashtami

The dahi-handi celebrations in Mumbai, a part of the ‘janmasthami' celebrations, have become increasingly commercial over the years.

Sunday being ‘janmashtami’ , a lot of teams eying jack-pots are looking forward to cracking some dahi-handis across Mumbai and its suburbs.

What was until recently, an innocent neighbourhood celebration has clearly become a business.

But organisers are quick to point out that the money is only for the benefit of the Govindas, a term used for the men who reach out to break the pot.

An organizer, Jitendra Ahwad said, “The organisers of the events may be economically well of, but the Govindas come from poor families and could benefit immensely from the prize money."

There is a lot of money for daredevil Govindas this year. Thane's Panchpakhadi Handi, at Rupees 51 lakhs, tops the list by a handsome margin.

Next is Mankhurd's Swabhiman dahi handi that is expected to fetch 11lakhs as is the handi at Worli Naka.

Handis are also under the patronage of political parties, like the NCP's Handi at Ghatkopar, Congress's handi at Jogeshwari and Shiv Sena's handi at Vile Parle. All these would fetch over Rs 5 lakh each.

And when a festival is very popular, can advertisers be far off? They too are falling all over themselves to reach out and place their products and services.


Courtesy:ibnlive.com
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