Navi Mumbai: As Gokul Ashtami approaches, the villages gear up with enthusiasm, beginning with the Harinam Saptaha, a week-long devotional event. Residents engage in bhajan kirtans at the local temple, during the night of Gokul Ashtami, the birth time of Lord Krishna. On this auspicious occasion, the community congregates at the temple to celebrate Lord Krishna's birth. Women adorn a cradle and sing traditional songs at midnight, marking the joyous event.

The festival's centrepiece is the Dahi Handi event, where villagers form human pyramids to break the earthen pot filled with yogurt. The successful breaking of the Dahi Handi is followed by the distribution of prasad, including dahi (yogurt) and sundhwara (sweet offerings). The subsequent day features a lively bidding event for the Dahi Handi, with bids ranging from Rs.1,000 to Rs.1.5 lakhs, underscoring the festive fervour.

Even as urbanization transforms the city, these traditional practices remain deeply rooted in village culture. The enduring charm of Dahi Handi and the communal spirit highlight Navi Mumbai's rich rural heritage, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.