The festive spirit of Gokulashtami is palpable across homes and markets, adorned in vibrant colors. On Janmashtami, the tradition of Dahi Handi is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Teams across the city gear up to ensure their formations and handis are perfect. This cherished festival sees the active participation of both youth and elders, with the younger generation, known as ‘Govindas’, displaying unmatched zeal.
For those residing in Mumbai and its suburbs, finding the right materials for Dahi Handi is crucial. A well-known destination for this is the market near Vitthal Mandir Gali in Maharashtra’s Thane district. Here, shoppers can find an array of colourful and attractive Dahi Handis. The prices start at just Rs 200. Among all the shops in this area, the Rashtriya Madke Bhandar stands out.
The Rashtriya Madke Bhandar, managed by 60-year-old Pratima Aaji, is a popular spot for Dahi Handi shopping. This store, which boasts a century-long history, offers handis priced between Rs 200 and Rs 1,500. Known for their vibrant colours and intricate decorations, many of these handis are adorned with dazzling embellishments. The shop also provides smaller handis suitable for children. For those in search of beautifully crafted Dahi Handis in Janmashtami, a visit to this heritage shop in Thane is a must.
“Our shop is 100 years old. We craft all the earthen pots for Dahi Handi at home, using high-quality clay to ensure durability. Many shopkeepers in Thane source their handis from us,” Pratima Aaji, who is the custodian of this century-old Rashtriya Madke Bhandar, proudly shared.
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