by Brother Jittin Mathew and Eustace Fernandes
MUMBAI, September 03, 2018: The tune of 'Govinda ala re' echoed across Bosco Boys campus in Borivli, as over 100 govindas played 'matkifod' on the account of Janmashthami festival on September 3.
Residential and technical students participated in the outdoor cultural activity, with the youth playing out the legend by becoming 'Govindas' and ascending a human pyramid to break the handis. Two milk, curd and butter filled and beautifully decorated handis were hung in the open area of Bosco Boys Home. The handis were tied 12 meters above the ground; each to be broken by the technical students and the boys of the orphanage.
Explaining the importance of the occasion, Krishna Sharma from the Home, said, "The festival gets this popular regional name from the legend of baby Krishna. According to it, he would seek and steal milk products such as yogurt and butter and people would hide their supplies high up out of the baby's reach. Krishna would try all sorts of creative ideas in his pursuit, such as making human pyramids with his friends to break these high hanging pots."
Datta Gade, a staff member, added, "It was an occasion of fun and frolic, an absolutely exhilarating time for all the dancing and frolicking young Govindas of Bosco Boys Home as well for the management and staff. The upbeat mood for the Dahi Handi celebration was all set by feet tapping songs and the festive wear in which the young students were decked up! Not only did they dance and sing to the tune with their staff but also enjoyed the traditional food distributed by the well-wishers."