A Dahi handi with a difference !

“Govinda aala re aala..”

The song reverbearted in the air, as the students climbed on each other’s shoulders happily, though cautiously. Their faces shone with the abundant joy as if seeking to reach out to the skies..beyond the stars.

The teachers stood right there around them, forming a protective ring, in fully alert mode, watching, guiding and encouraging them.

Nagpur based Andh Vidyalaya is well known for its students, boys and girls, who participate in most of the games and festivals to challenge and defeat their own physical limitations happily. They enjoy life while making the others in the society think in awe and feel inspired.

Humans forming layers to reach Dahi handi on Krishna Janmashtami is a traditional marital art like activity in Bharat, especially in Maharashtra. The participants are called Govindas, symbolising the God Shrikrishna himself, they seek to recreate the games to reach to the Handi that is carrying the Gopalakaala Prasad, a mix  of sweet curd and several other edible niceties, in it and  hanging above.  Successfully breaking it and sprinkling the contents over team mates below is considered auspicious. The state government has recently announced to accord sports status to the adventurous activity.

But for the about a ninety odd students of the Vidayalya, it is an occasion to try one’s limits and learn the team spirit, to succeed in life as a team. The joy on the students’ faces is to be seen to be believed.

“It was special this year, since two years of lockdown restricted activities and celebrations. For us, each one of them emerge as the winner,” says Prof Makarand Pandharipande, chairman of the parent institution, The Blind Relief Association, “Because, mere participating is a towering challenge. They challenge whatever physical limitations they have and develope the winners’ attitude. We only help them achieve. I have been with the institution since last almost twenty five years. Every year we all enjoy the Dahi handi this way. They may not be able to see, but they can surely sense, feel and achieve. It is so inspiring for every one at the ground. Same for whoever sees the pics or watches the videos.”

Yes sir, you said it.

Salutations to the participants and their teachers by us all at the  Indiainput.com and our readers.