Dahi Handi is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in parts of India, especially in Maharashtra. It is part of the Janmashtami festival, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. The event of Dahi Handi reenacts the playful act of young Krishna as 'Makhan Chor', who is believed to have stolen butter and curd from pots hung high in the houses of the villagers. Dahi Handi is celebrated on the next day of Krishna Janmashtami. The Dahi Handi 2024 date falls on August 27, a Tuesday. This year celebrates the 5251st Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna.

Dahi Handi is celebrated with great fervour and fanfare across India. The Dahi Handi day is also referred to as Gopalakala in Maharashtra. Today, Dahi Handi has evolved into a competitive sport. The teams or groups, often referred to as ‘Govindas’, compete to form the highest human pyramids to reach and break the Handi. The Handi is suspended high above the ground, often between buildings or on a tall pole.

Dahi Handi 2024 Date

Dahi Handi 2024 falls on Tuesday, August 27.

Dahi Handi Significance

Dahi Handi is a playful day that reenacts the childhood acts of Lord Krishna, who is affectionately called as 'Makhan Chor.' The child-god Krishna and his friends used to form human pyramids to break pots hung from the ceilings of neighbourhood houses, in order to steal curd and butter. This was in Vrindavana, where Krishna was brought up. The day of Dahi Handi is inspired by Lord Krishna’s childhood antics of stealing butter, symbolising his mischievous and playful nature. It celebrates his love for dairy products and his rebellious spirit.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2024 03:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).