Males form a human pyramid during the Govinda festival.
www.flickr.com user ROHAN DUMBRE
Krishna Janmasthami, the celebration of the birthday of Lord Krishna, is only two days away. This year it will take place on September 2, 2010.
After some intense practice sessions, Mumbai's young Govindas are ready to take part in Dahi Handi competitions all over Mumbai They will climb up on each other to form human pyramids, with the goal of reaching and break open clay pots filled with curd, which have been strung up high from buildings. The stakes are high, with substantial prize money provided by companies and political parties.
Last year, a swine flu scare subdued Krishna Janmasthami celebrations in Mumbai. This year, the competition will be more fierce than ever. Where can you see it? There are more than 600 Govinda mandals, where the action happens, across the city. Some of the most popular ones can be found at Dadar and Worli, in central Mumbai.
Competing isn't for the feint hearted though. The human pyramids can go up as high as 40 feet, with as many as eight layers. Bone injuries from falls are common.
Curious to know the reason for these seemingly crazy activities? This explanation of the Govinda festival sheds some light on the matter! Also, see how a group of young guys from a local Mumbai neighborhood go about making a human pyramid in this Govinda Krishna Janmashtami photo gallery.