Mumbai, Aug 14 - Thumbing their noses at the H1N1 scare gripping the city, several groups in Mumbai celebrated Janmashtami the traditional, boisterous way with huge crowds gathering for the 'dahi-handi' ritual though major organisations, backed by political parties, kept a low profile.

In Dadar, hundreds lined the streets and crowds jostled to catch a glimpse of the 'dahi handi' -- where human pyramids are formed to get to the earthen pot of curd and butter strung up high in a replay of the young Lord Krishna's efforts to get to his favourite food.

The day at Dadar had begun with youths singing and dancing to the tune of the popular 'Govina aala re...' at the Om Sai Mandal event. Just below the 'dahi-handi' hung at a height of nearly 25 feet (three floors) between two buildings, a human pyramid formed in a few seconds and a young female 'Govinda', Aarti Sawant, was hoisted to break the pot... before they all came tumbling down.

With victorious shouts of 'Jai Govinda, Jai Gopala', the 'Govindas' clad in bright yellow t-shirts and black shorts then sang and danced their way to the next 'dahi-handi'.

But the swine flu fear, which had shut all schools, colleges and multiplexes in the city, was apparent.

Many of the onlookers were seen sporting face masks as a precaution and the organisers had arranged for an ambulance to follow the crowd of 'Govindas' out on their 'dahi-handi' quests.

By noon, reports of similar 'dahi-handi' celebrations, though low profile, were received from suburbs like Matunga, Girgaum, Lalbaug, Vile Parle and Ghatkopar.