Tumbling down by the side of my bed, I woke up on the morning of Dahi Handi "D" Day, not because of the hangover of last night but instead, of loud noise of speakers radiating through my eardrums, boasting "Sheela ki Jawani" song rather than "Govinda Aala Re". For a brief moment of time, all my memories of then celebrated “Dahi Handi” passed through my little mind. The excitement which used to start from the night of Krishna Jnamashtami, with bhajans dedicated to Shri Krishna, often not only transcending the boundary of love and harmony, but also the Sound level, creating ruckus among people leaving in that building. On the same night, Market Vendors (market above which our building was situated) used to collect donation from all the families residing in those building, between whom the "Handi" ( matki, earthen pot ) was supposed to be hung high in the air.
The atmosphere created back then was highly vibrant. The scent of rain on dry earth falling that night boosted the spirit of every living being and enlightened every soul, irrespective of caste and creed. And why not?? After all Krishna janma had taken place at the night when there were heavy rains, flooding the lanes of Mathura. There is some mystical link between Krishna Jnamashtami & rains arriving that night. Nevertheless, the subsequent day which is the "Dahi Handi" was even more exciting. Everyone geared up to see how the Govinda Pathaks would create a human pyramid as tall as 6 tier, or 7 tier & try to dislodge the handi. Even Rain Goddess use to bless by shedding her sparkling drops on all of us and there by relieving us from the intense heat and exhaustion created by that tense moment. People trying to dislodge the pyramid by throwing water balloons and some splashing balloons on girls who were near the vicinity of Dahi Handi was a common sight. It was a hell lot of fun, everyone enjoying, and by the time it was noon, the "Dahi Handi" would have been dislodged, thanks to all those relentless and brave efforts put in by "Govinda Pathaks". There was no Glamour attached to this sport/festive & not much amount of money was involved, and hence was sweet, short and had all those emotions attached to this event.
But today, things have changed drastically, and it seems that we are losing the innocence of this festival, the height at which the handi is been hung is increasing year by year (which for obvious reasons is pulled down later in the day). The famous song "Govinda Aala Re" is been played only once or occasionally and thereafter, it’s all about "Sheela Ki Jawani", "Munni Badnam Huii" & more recent one is "Paalu ke Neche Chupake" (Rowdy Rathore) which are been played for "N" number of times.
It does not stop over here, at some places it has been seen, that there had been "Lawani" (Marathi Folk Dance) sported. The amount of prize money displayed has touched a Crore mark. The event which was once an affair to be handled by housing societies is now been handled by almost all political parties. Bollywood and Politicians are actively involved in such events. Previously,the Handi's which were getting dislodged by noon, now it gets dislodge not before dusk. People have started giving importance to the stage show organized by these politicians, rather than the "Dahi Handi" Festive. Gallons of water is been wasted for giving esthetic effect to "handi" celebration, one would often wonder, whether the drought like situation which was looming till a month ago on Maharashtra and entire India has subsided or what ??. It’s sad that people are wasting such precious element deliberately for entertainment purpose. Previously people used to gather around the handi, to have a look at the valiant effort made by a 6 year old, and how the handi is been dislodged, but now people gather around and wait for hours to have a glimpse at "Sunny Leone","Hrithik Roshan", "Emraan Hashmi" etc, who are been requested by our dear politicians, as a guest of honor.
Just as my memories were fading away and reality was seeping into my mind, I thought to myself that among this increasing glamour, glitz, money and fame, are we really welcoming "Govindas" whom we desperately cheered to break those handi’s or are we welcoming something which is erroneous ??.
