Dahi Handi teaches Trust, Skill and Teamwork in modern times

Aditi Panda

Krishna Janmashtami is around the corner and celebrated traditionally in different ways across the country. In Dwarka Janmashtami is celebrated with a tradition called Makhan Handi whereas in Kutch farmers decorate their bullock carts and take out processions of lord Krishna.In Braj, Vrindavan, Mathura Raslila is celebrated as a part of the festivities while in Jammu they fly kites. But in Maharashtra, Dahi handi and Janmashtami are synonyms.

Watching Janamashtami closely provides several fascinating insights about team work. The result of a Dahi handi is entirely dependent on the team effort. Dahi handi strated way back in Vrindavan when the child-god Krishna and his friends formed a human pyramid to steal curd and butter by breaking hung pots from the ceilings of all the houses in the vicinity.

Every team member has clarity on a common goal and work towards achieving it even though they are not very familiar with each other. As the height of the hanged handi decides the height of the pyramid the number of team members is decided accordingly. Therefore there are no fixed roles but even then every member adapts in line with the challenge ahead of them.

For making a human pyramid, the strength of every member is weighed up before he is allocated a position. In a task where the team is not well acquainted the trust and understanding among the entire team becomes a paramount feature that bonds them together. The never give up attitude is also highlighted as the pyramid building continues till the Handi is broken.

Arindam Sinha, who runs a gym says, “each member knows his duty and responsibility. The fitness quotient is high and they climb on each other’s shoulders with precision and speed. The trust and faith they share is crystal clear. Everybody feels important and dependable.”

“Dahi Handi is an excellent example of learning trust, dependability, commitment, control and strength”, feels Suman Reddy, a personal grooming instructor.

The entire team is a self driven and an energetic unit determined to accomplish one clear goal, which is to break the handi. Every boss would perhaps give his right arm to have a team like this one to deliver for him.

(Aditi is a freelance writer and pursues interest in the area of social issues)