7 Spots To Head To For Dahi Handi In Mumbai & Pune

Maharashtra is a unique place to bring in Janmashtami or Dahi Handi. At every street corner a pot, symbolic of the handi of butter Lord Krishna so loved, is hung high and human pyramids are formed to bring it down.

 

Pic: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Viewing these amazing towering human stacks and watching the nimblest make their way to the top to get to the prize pot is compulsory viewing, especially at these spots in Mumbai and Pune...

 

Pic: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Sanskruti Yuva Pratishtha, Thane, Mumbai

This group that goes for the pot at TMC School 44 at Varkatnagar breaking world records with the height of their pyramids (43.79 m), turns Thane into a festive hub at Dahi Handi, drawing large crowds and is famous for its lively spirit.

Pic: Sahil Salvi

Hutatma Babu Genu Mandal, Budhwar Peth, Pune

The mandal's Govinda team is Pune’s leading Dahi Handi band, hitting traditional spots in the old city amid bright decorations and fuelled by strong local participation.

Pic: Kind courtesy Sarahqureshi11/Wikimedia Commons

Jai Jawan Mitra Mandal, Lower Parel, Mumbai

Thane might be the Pandhari of Dahi Handis (where the festivities are richest), but Parel cannot be left behind. Leading squads showcase their skill and spirit in spectacular showdowns amidst huge, boisterous crowds.

 

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Pic: Kind courtesy AKS.9955/Wikimedia Commons

Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust, Pune

Founded in 1892, the group has fantastic Dahi Handi skills and their feats are celebrated under racy disco lights and beautiful decorations.

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Pic: Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Bal Gopal Mitra Mandal, Lalbaug, Mumbai

Lalbaug Dahi Handi teams are also pretty notable for their pyramid-creating prowess and athletic dum, Lalbaug being a locality celebrating this waye for aeons. BGM Mandal is particularly mashoor.

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Pic: Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Guruji Talim Ganpati Mandal, Tulshibaug, Pune

Established in 1887, head to the Ram Mandir area at Tulshibaug to view historic traditions, rich in heritage and prepare to be amazed.

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Pic: ANI Photo

Shree Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, King’s Circle, Mumbai

The GSBs put up a brave show every year at King's Circle and are one of Mumbai’s oldest and most well-known Dahi Handi gatherings, celebrated for their fierce contests and charged atmosphere.

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Pic: Satish Bodas and Sahil Salvi
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