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Dahi Handi will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 27th.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heavy rainfall is likely to occur in remote areas of Mumbai. Overall, the Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai are expected to be cloudy and rainy in the coming days.
Mumbai's Dahi Handi celebrations, a vibrant and iconic event held during the Janmashtami festival, have been marred by unexpected rain showers in recent years. This lively festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, with enthusiastic participants forming human pyramids and breaking clay pots filled with curds. As the city prepares for this year's festivities, it's on everyone's mind: Will it rain again? Weather can affect festivities and add an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Dahi Handi 2024
Dahi Handi is a traditional Indian festival in which participants form human pyramids and break clay pots (handi) filled with curds (dahi) and butter suspended high on the ground.
The festival is inspired by the legend of Lord Krishna, who as a child would steal butter from his mother's hands. This festival is a reenactment of this mythical event.
Dahi Handi is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Mumbai and Pune. Teams of young men known as “govindas” compete to break Handi by building human pyramids. The team that successfully breaks the handi will be rewarded and recognized.
This year, Dahi Handi will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 27th.
The theory behind Mumbai rainfall patterns
Mumbai's rainfall is affected by its proximity to the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. The city's unique location creates a topographic effect in which moisture-laden winds from the sea are forced to rise, cool and condense, producing precipitation. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a belt of low-voltage systems that also plays an important role in rainfall in Mumbai.
What does the legend say?
According to legend, a downpour occurred when Lord Krishna was born, symbolizing the cleansing of sins and the welcome of the new incarnation. Some believe that rain is a sign of Lord Krishna's blessings and a way to cool down the earth and relieve the heat. During the Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai, rain is considered auspicious.
Will it rain in Dahihandi this year?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said there is a high possibility of heavy rainfall in isolated areas in Mumbai.
According to Accuweather, on August 26, Mumbai is expected to have a maximum temperature of 31°C and a minimum temperature of 26°C. There will be occasional showers, with a 60% chance of precipitation. Skies will be cloudy with showers throughout the day.
On August 27, the temperature warmed slightly, with the highest temperature being 32°C and the lowest temperature being 26°C. The rain will taper off but skies will remain cloudy with a few showers. Chance of precipitation is 75%.
Overall, it will be cloudy and rainy days during the Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai.
