The birth of Lord Krishna was rung in with religious fervour and gaiety across the country on Monday followed by colourful 'dahi handi' celebrations in Maharashtra.
The dahi handi ritual is part of the Janmashtami festival in Maharashtra, where youngsters (called Govindas), dressed in colourful attire, make human pyramid to reach an earthen pot containing buttermilk and suspended in mid-air, and break it.
Religious institutions, political leaders and Govinda mandals took part in the dahi handi celebrations which were marked by frequent chants of "Govinda aala re" (Govinda has come).
The celebrations began amid strict vigil by personnel from the Mumbai police who were out on roads to ensure compliance of the Bombay High Court's guidelines on the age of participating Govindas (they should not be below 14) and insurance for them.
Female and kids also hit the streets in large numbers and broke dahi handis.
(With inputs from PTI)
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