Handi

A handi (Hindi: हांड़ी) is a cooking basin made from copper or clay (pot) originating in the Indian subcontinent.

For example, when any dish is cooked in the handi – the lid is sealed to it, using dough so steam cannot escape, preserving the nutrients in the food.

[1][2][3] Krishna is believed to be the eighth avatar of the Lord Vishnu, who was born to get Mathura saved from the cruel king Kamsa.

However, in order to survive from Kamsa’s cruel and wrathful ways, Krishna was raised by his foster parents Nanda and Yashoda in the village of Gokul, Vrindavan.

[1][2][3] Another legend that exists is that supposedly, the king Kamsa during Krishna’s times denied children sufficient nourishment through the seizing of dairy products, even though there was an abundance of it.

People often end up tumbling down from the top to the bottom of the human pyramid, which not only is very painful but can be quite dangerous, sometimes causing serious injury.

Due to the atmospheric pressure and excitement leading up to the festival, the teams have lots of adrenaline running through their blood, motivating them to break the Dahi Handi.

[1][3] Prior to and following the ceremony of breaking open the handi, folk dances are performed by members of the team and surrounding people.

Lavani is a form of dance popular in Maharashtra, India typically performed to the Dholki, an Indian percussion instrument.

Ever since 2000, because the festival became much more competitive, the number of injuries incurred has risen greatly compared to previous years.

To reduce the risk of injury it has been proposed on multiple occasions to lower the height of the handi, whilst also making it mandatory for participants to wear protective gear.