Mumbai's Govindas keep the multi-million pot boiling

"Govinda aala re, aala zara matki sambhal Brijbala..." the hit film song of the 60s picturised on Shammi Kapoor, is set to reverberate the air in the metropolis as 'Gokulashtami' approaches with 'Dahi Handi' groups gearing up to grab the prize money.

The 'Dahi Handi' - earthen pot filled with yogurt tied on a rope with either side of the buildings at a height - is broken by groups of youngsters known as Govindas.

According to mythology, Lord Krishna, who was fond of yogurt and butter, used to steal them with the help of his friends - Govindas - by forming the human pyramid.

Similarly, the modern day Govindas form the human pyramid and break these pots not only as a custom, but also for a prize which now runs in lakhs.

However, over the years, face of the eagerly-awaited festival has changed with the metropolis undergoing profound metamorphosis over the years. High rises and multi-storeyed buildings have replaced the once thriving 'chawl' system.

Mumbai, once known as a land of 'Girangaon' (mill workers), is no more the same. The old red Mangalore tiled chawls (row of houses) have given way to multi-storeyed towers and malls on mill lands and the working class and the labour force shifted to suburbs and in neighbouring Thane, thereby somewhat affecting the spirit of the festival.

"The festival then used to be about human spirit and resilience but now it has become commercial and all about money," rued T K Rajan, an old timer and now a social worker in Chembur.

Politicians of all hues have now become the integral part of the 'Dahi Handi' celebrations on the occasion of 'Gokulashtami' which this year falls on Sunday


Courtesy:thehindu.com
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