Celebrations in Maharashtra and Gujarat

Janmashtami is mostly celebrated in Pune and Mumbai in Maharashtra, and in Dwarka in Gujarat on a large scale witnessing immense participation from the people. People in large numbers participate in the Dahi Handi festival which is celebrated to mimic the stealing of butter by Krishna. An earthen pot consisting of butter, ghee (milk fat), dry fruits and milk is hung at a height of 20-40 feet with the help of a rope. Spirited energetic men make a human pyramid and climb on each other to reach the pot and break it. Later Dahikala (ingredients in the pot) is distributed among the devotees. Dahi Handi celebration encourages working in a team, thus signifies the importance of teamworkWith time, the butter was replaced with money, in some places. The prize money is given to the winning team who manages to break the handi.