Human Towers - Spain and India.

Castellers

In the region of Catalonia teams of Castellers can be seen competing against each other who can build the highest human tower. Every Catalan town has their own team or Colla made up of men, woman and children. This unique spectacle can be seen during the summer months in festivals around Catalonia. Taking directions from a Cap de colla the Castellers form a solid foundation of packed bodies, linking arms and hands together in an intricate way that will carry the weight of several tones. The foundation also serves to soften the fall in case the tower collapses, which is not uncommon. On this foundation up to eight more levels of people are built, each layer standing on the shoulders of the ones below. The top levels are made up of children and the Castell is completed when a young child waves to the crowd from the top of the pinnacle.

Dahi Handi

generally takes place on the second day of Janmashtami which falls on the eighth day of Sravana. An earthen pot containing a mixture of milk, dry fruits, ghee is hung around 20-30 feet high in the air with the help of a rope. Silver coins are hung along with the rope,which are later distributed as prize to the winners. Enthusiastic young men, form a human pyramid by standing one on top of the other, trying to break the pot. Onlookers throw water on the young men in order to prevent them from breaking the pot. Breaking of the pot is followed by prize distribution. Devotees believe that the broken pieces of earthen pot will keep away mice and negative powers from their homes.