In Mumbai Janmashtami is celebrated by re-enacting Krishna’s butter stealing episode. A human pyramid is made to reach an earthen pot hung high above the road.
Janmashtami or the birthday of Krishna is celebrated throughout India. My own favorite is the celebrations that take place in Mumbai. This celebration is associated with one of the most endearing events in Krishna’s life. It is called “Govinda aala re aala”, which translates as Govinda has come. Govinda is another name of Krishna.
Krishna would enter the homes of the maidens of Vrindavan and steal butter from the pots. The maidens got wise to his antics and began to hang the pots from the ceiling. But a minor precaution like that did not deter Krishna and his companions. They would form a human pyramid and Krishna would climb to the very top and bring down the pot.
Replicating the human pyramid to break the pot is the essence of the festival. Groups of young lads roam around the city breaking pots that are hung high, usually between two buildings. These groups have their regular clientele. In the week before the festival they meet their clients and fix up the time, the payment and the location of the suspended pot. Then at the appointed time they arrive with much singing and dancing. A human pyramid is formed just below the pot. The final athlete climbs on top and breaks the earthen pot. Every child in Mumbai sings their song, which translates as Krishna has arrived on the scene so you maidens of Vrindavan better guard your earthen pots.
Modernism is catching up with this festival. Many of the groups are accompanied by a live band and almost all of them are sponsored by some corporate body or political party. Women are not to be left behind and there are known to be a few all girl groups as well.
