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{{Short description|Cooking vessel from the Indian subcontinent}}
[[Image:Handi-and-karahi.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A small decorative ''[[karahi]]'' (left) and ''handi'' (right) used to serve [[India]]n food]]
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A '''handi''' (Hindi: [[wikt:हांड़ी|हांड़ी]]) is a cooking basin made from [[copper]] or [[clay]] (pot) originating in the [[India]]n subcontinent. It is utilised primarily in [[Cuisine of India| Indian]], [[Cuisine of Pakistan|Pakistani]] and [[Bangladeshi cuisine|Bangladeshi]] cooking.
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This vessel is deep and has a broad mouth, and since there are a wide variety of dishes cooked throughout the [[India]]n subcontinent using the handi, their names vary too, symbolising its use – such as Chicken Handi, Handi [[Paneer]], or Handi Komdi.
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Due to the vast differences in language and culture from region to region in the [[India]]n subcontinent, differing names are given to the handi. This includes '''''tasla''''', '''''tasli''''', '''''karahi''''', '''''degchi and ahuna.'''''
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The handi is also physically likened to [[United States|American]] [[beanpot]]s, [[Mexico|Mexican]] and [[Spain|Spanish]] ''[[olla]]s'', and [[France|French]] ''[[soupière]]s'', which are utilised in similar fashion to the handi in regards to cooking.
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It is also a major component of the [[Dahi Handi]] festival that is celebrated annually to mark the celebration of the birth of [[Krishna]] – a [[Hindu]] God.
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==Uses of the handi==
The handi is utilised mainly for cooking purposes, especially for slow-cooking. For example, when any dish is cooked in the handi – the lid is sealed to it, using dough so steam cannot escape, preserving the nutrients in the food. In turn this also allows for the food to be cooked using its own water content, accentuating its flavour and tang.
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==Dishes cooked in the handi==
There are many dishes that are cooked using the Handi. Many of the dishes’ names actually incorporate the word ‘Handi’ into it. Some of these dishes include: 
* Handi [[Biryani]] 
* Handi [[Khichdi]] 
* Diwani Handi
* Handi [[Paneer]] 
* Handi Komdi
* Handi Corn Sabzi
* Laziz Lamb Handi
* Khade Masala Ka Ghost
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==Significance of the Dahi Handi festival==
The [[Dahi Handi]] festival is a [[Hindu]] festive event, that occurs to celebrate the birth of [[Krishna]] (a [[Hindu]] Deity), which is also known as [[Krishna Janmashtami]]. The festival is held annually around August to September, with dates varying year to year.
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[[Krishna]] is believed to be the eighth avatar of the Lord [[Vishnu]], who was born to get [[Mathura]] saved from the cruel king [[Kamsa]]. He was born of [[Kamsa]]’s sister; [[Devaki]], and her husband [[Vasudeva]]. However, in order to survive from [[Kamsa]]’s cruel and wrathful ways, [[Krishna]] was raised by his foster parents Nanda and [[Yashoda]] in the village of [[Gokul]], [[Vrindavan]].
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There is a legend regarding Lord [[Krishna]]. [[Krishna]] was raised in a village in northern [[India]], called Vrindavan, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. He used to love a variety of [[dairy]] products, especially white butter (Makhan) whilst growing up as a child. Because of this, he even used to steal [[dairy]] produce from neighbours in the village, and from surrounding villages too. Due to these activities, [[Krishna]] gained the reputation of being a Makhan Chor or Navneet Chor (thief of butter). His foster mother [[Yashoda]] started to get frustrated by his stealing habits. Thus she told the women in the village and surrounding villages to tie their [[dairy]] produce in a handi, especially Makhan at a height [[Krishna]] would not be able to reach. [[Yashoda]] also used to restrain him as much as she could. However, [[Krishna]] using his wit would gather his friends and other children to form a human pyramid (as they do now every year) to break handis hanging on the ceilings in houses of the neighbourhood to steal curd and butter – which is why they have [[yoghurt]] or other [[dairy]] hanging in the handi during present festivals.
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Another legend that exists is that supposedly, the king [[Kamsa]] during [[Krishna]]’s times denied children sufficient nourishment through the seizing of [[dairy]] products, even though there was an abundance of it. Hence, [[Krishna]] and his peers would steal and distribute the [[dairy]] products among themselves.
A major event that occurs during the festival is the sport that is played – called [[Dahi Handi]]. It involves the hanging of the handi that is filled with Dahi ([[yoghurt]]) at a difficult height to reach – usually at 30 ft.
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Then young boys and men create teams to form a large [[human pyramid]] to try to reach and break open the pot. Girls on the ground form circles around the pyramid – sing songs and dance. It often becomes very competitive between teams, with the winning team achieving some sort of prize for breaking the pot. The teams that play this sport are highly dedicated, especially in the states of [[Maharashtra]] and [[Gujarat]]. They practice weeks ahead of the festival, often involving lots of focus, coordination and most of all enthusiasm.
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One [[human pyramid]] can have as many as nine layers to it. The lower levels or layers have the stronger, sturdier people who can bear lots of mass on their shoulders. As you go up the levels, the lighter the boys get, with the top-most boy being the lightest, smallest and has the most energy who can break open the handi. The persons that form the pyramid are called ‘Govinda Pathak’ or ‘Govinda.’ Every year at this festival, many a team participate mostly in the states of [[Maharashtra]] and [[Gujarat]], with the winning team being rewarded usually in the form of money, sweets or other prizes. The [[Dahi Handi]] itself usually contains [[yoghurt]], [[ghee]], sometimes milk and some forms of nuts like almonds.
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Not all attempts for every group are successful. People often end up tumbling down from the top to the bottom of the [[human pyramid]], which not only is very painful but can be quite dangerous, sometimes causing serious injury.
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The community including the neighbourhood where the event occurs gather in large numbers. Many of them throw water balloons, and buckets of water down on the participating teams adding a modern touch to the festival. Due to the atmospheric pressure and excitement leading up to the festival, the teams have lots of adrenaline running through their blood, motivating them to break the [[Dahi Handi]].
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Prior to and following the ceremony of breaking open the handi, folk dances are performed by members of the team and surrounding people. One such dance ‘Jhaanki,’ which is a special dance to admire Lord [[Krishna]]. Others include ‘[[Lavani]],’ which are organised and performed to keep the spectators entertained and add variation to the event. [[Lavani]] is a form of dance popular in [[Maharashtra]], [[India]] typically performed to the [[Dholki]], an [[India]]n percussion instrument.
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There are however many issues that have arisen due to this festival. This includes excessive littering by the public every year. There is also lots of congestion in traffic that is caused during the day of the [[Dahi Handi]] festival. Another issue is that of significant sound pollution, which is enhanced with large crowds. The biggest issue of this festival is the increased risk of mortality amongst participants. Ever since 2000, because the festival became much more competitive, the number of injuries incurred has risen greatly compared to previous years. To reduce the risk of injury it has been proposed on multiple occasions to lower the height of the handi, whilst also making it mandatory for participants to wear protective gear. In 2014 Maharashtra's government placed a ban on children under the age of 12 participating in the [[Dahi Handi]] festival.
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==See also==
* [[Indian pottery]]
* [[List of cooking vessels]]
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[[Category:Pakistani food preparation utensils]]
[[Category:Indian food preparation utensils]]
[[Category:Cooking vessels]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi food preparation utensils]]
{{二次利用|date=21 October 2024, at 18:15}}
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