Krishna Janmashtami that marks the birth of Lord Krishna will be celebrated across the country today. Dahi Handi, the formation of a human pyramid representing young Krishna stealing curd from a pot is a common event in most states. In Mumbai, Dahi Handi is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm.  Govindas fill the streets of Mumbai dancing and singing. While many restrictions were attached to Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai due to the risk involved, Dahi Handi team of Thane has got an approval for Pro Govinda this year. With the approval in place, Thane will celebrate Dahi Handi in a different way this year. For the first time in history, the local Dahi Handi celebration will now be celebrated as 'Pro Govinda'.

According to a report by ABP Majha, Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik of Thane had demanded an approval for 'Pro Govinda'. Finally, the state sports department has approved Dahi handi as Pro Dahi Handi. The report further informs that the first-ever 'Pro Dahi handi' will be organized by Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaike's 'Sanskriti Pratishthan' in Thane. Sports Minister Vinod Tawde and Secretary Sports will also be present to grace the occasion.

Take a look at the Promo Video of Pro Govinda 2018:

While people gear up to celebrate the festival with great fervour, special rules have been prepared by the government for the upcoming 'Pro Govinda 2018'. Dahi Handi is celebrated a day after Janmashtami when Govindas form human pyramids and try to break the pots filled with curd and other items, tied hanging on a height. A team that breaks the pot at the earliest wins the cash price.

Most people are celebrating it on September 3 as the timings would be 8:47 pm on September 2 to 7:20 pm on September 3. It is an important festival particularly to the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. The festivity includes dance-drama enactments of the life of Krishna according to the Bhagavata Purana (such as Rasa Lila or Krishna Lila), devotional singing through the midnight among other forms of celebrations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2018 01:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).