Large crowds assemble at the Ram Temple to participate in the Dahi Handi event. They jostle below the pot in anticipation of the shower of dahi (curd or yogurt).
At midnight, the Koli community congregates at the Ram Mandir for abhisheka (ritual bathing) amidst the chanting of mantras. The idol of Bal Gopal (infant Krishna) is bathed with milk, honey, ghee, dahi (curd or yogurt), and water and adorned with new clothes and jewellery. The Bal Gopal idol is placed in a silver cradle, and devotees swing the cradle while singing lullabies.
Krishna Janmashtami is not only a celebration of Sri Krishna's birth but also an expression of bhakti (devotional love) by his devotees, which is an integral part of Krishna’s leela (divine play).
A circular frame is designed to hold the pot, decorated with floral garlands and mango leaves. Fruits and vegetables donated by villagers are also part of the decor. These would be distributed as prasada after the event.
A band member is holding a banner of Sri Hinglay Devi Prasadhik Bhajan Mandal. Sri Krishna's divine exploits are praised through the singing of devotional bhajans and kirtans.
The dahi (curd or yogurt) is donated by the villagers and collected in the handi (pot). In its consecrated form, the dahi is a form of prasad (blessed food) that is distributed among the devotees.
Versova Koliwada comes alive during Krishna Janmashtami, merging traditional Hindu rituals with the local culture of the Koli community and its distinct traditions and customs, in which music plays a key role.
The parade is typically organized by local community leaders and cultural organizations and involves extensive planning and preparation well in advance of the event.
The parade provides an opportunity for participants to dress up as famous historical, mythological, and iconic figures from popular culture. This group is wearing masks and costumes from the Spanish crime drama television series Money Heist. The masks are based on the famous portrait of the Spanish painter Salvador Dalí.