Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of the Mahindra Group, took to social media to share his thoughts on the occasion of Janmashtami and Dahi Handi. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on August 26, Mahindra wished his followers a happy Janmashtami and shared an image of Dahi Handi celebrations in progress.
Mahindra drew a powerful connection between the vibrant festivities and the qualities needed for success in life. He wrote, “Tomorrow is Dahi Handi, but I choose to share this image today because the Conviction, Commitment, and Collaboration that are vital in making these human pyramids are my Monday Motivation.” He emphasized how these three “Cs” are vital for achieving success in any field.
Janmashtami, celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha according to the Hindu calendar, marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, believed to be Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
Dahi Handi, a key element of Janmashtami celebrations, is a traditional ritual where an earthen pot (handi) filled with ghee, sweets, almonds, dahi (curd), and butter is hung at a height. Groups of individuals form human pyramids to reach and break the handi, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s playful and mischievous nature. This ritual, also known as Gopalakala, is particularly popular in Maharashtra.
The legend behind Dahi Handi revolves around Lord Krishna’s fondness for butter (‘makkhan’). He was known for stealing butter from pots kept in his home, earning him the nickname ‘makhan chor’. To prevent this, his mother, Yashoda, hung the butter pot high up. However, Krishna and his friends built human pyramids to retrieve the butter, showcasing their teamwork and determination. This tradition has evolved into the significant ritual we see today during Janmashtami.
