Janmashtami ie Krishna Janma festival falls in the month between August and September.The ritual is to fast the previous day (Saptami, seventh day).At midnight, the idol of the child,Bal Krishna is bathed, adorned in new clothes and ornaments,placed in a cradle and worshiped by singing lullaby(Lories).

After the Aarti,the fast is over.At dawn,children's footprints,walking towards the house are drawn with "Rangoli".This indicates the divine entry of God Shree Krishna in the house. Dances like Garba,Dandiya,Raas-Leela or dramatic enactments based on the life of Shri.Krishna are performed in so many regions of India.Rasa-Leela is the rememberance of Krishna's youthful days.

Govinda Pathaks celebrate Krishna's's playful and mischievous side of entering the houses of Gopis and breaking the buttermilk Pots(Matki) and eating the "Maakhan"(buttermilk). Janmaashtami, popularly known in Mumbai and Pune as Dahi Handi is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm.

The "Handi" or " Matki" is a clay pot filled with buttermilk and coconut, that is roped at a convenient height.Govinda Groups from different areas come and form human pyramids and try to break the Handi by hitting it with Head or coconut placed inside it. After breaking it, the buttermilk is spilled over the group people,who then sing and dance to celebrate the victory.

Many Handis bear prescious rewards in cash to the tune of Rupees 25 laks.Some popular Handis are tied at very high altitudes with highest rewards.Nowdays the Handis are accompanied with Musical shows,in presence of the celebrities from political front,TV programmes and films.