angshu0105
Atlas did not Shrug!
Dahi Handi (meaning 'Clay Pot') is a popular activity in Maharshtra, held during Janmashtami (date of Hindu God - Krishna's birth) & commemorating the antics of a young Lord Krishna.
Human Pyramid: This pot is hung high up in an open ground, 30 to 50 feet above ground level. It is a challenge to the youth of the locality to claim this pot. The youth too are ready for the challenge and have practiced their skills.
As soon as the pot was hung, they arrived at the ground. The group (called Govindas!)measure up the pot hanging high, gauged its height and began to form a human pyramid to reach it. But the task is not easy. Ignoring the slippery bodies the boys went on adding tier after tier to their pyramid. Finally, the smallest boy climbed like a cat over the bodies of his friends forming the pyramid. He reached the summit, carrying a stick in his hands.
The crowd watched with bated breath. One slip and he would fall down from a height of several feet onto the road, with no protection whatsoever. Or what would happen if one of guys down below in the pyramid twitched or shrugged? Everyone would tumble down like a pack of cards, with injuries to many of them...a frightening prospect as I stood quite numb! The boy took the aim and with great accuracy, broke the pot. Down poured the dahi-poha and there was a scramble to get the money and the prasad (offering).
Atlas did not Shrug!
Dahi Handi (meaning 'Clay Pot') is a popular activity in Maharshtra, held during Janmashtami (date of Hindu God - Krishna's birth) & commemorating the antics of a young Lord Krishna.
Human Pyramid: This pot is hung high up in an open ground, 30 to 50 feet above ground level. It is a challenge to the youth of the locality to claim this pot. The youth too are ready for the challenge and have practiced their skills.
As soon as the pot was hung, they arrived at the ground. The group (called Govindas!)measure up the pot hanging high, gauged its height and began to form a human pyramid to reach it. But the task is not easy. Ignoring the slippery bodies the boys went on adding tier after tier to their pyramid. Finally, the smallest boy climbed like a cat over the bodies of his friends forming the pyramid. He reached the summit, carrying a stick in his hands.
The crowd watched with bated breath. One slip and he would fall down from a height of several feet onto the road, with no protection whatsoever. Or what would happen if one of guys down below in the pyramid twitched or shrugged? Everyone would tumble down like a pack of cards, with injuries to many of them...a frightening prospect as I stood quite numb! The boy took the aim and with great accuracy, broke the pot. Down poured the dahi-poha and there was a scramble to get the money and the prasad (offering).