Vasai-Virar | September 6, 2026 — More than 1,000 Dahi Handi celebrations across Vasai-Virar on Saturday drew large crowds, Govinda groups and political organisers, but also caused hours-long traffic congestion on major roads, according to a report by Loksatta – Vasai-Virar.
The celebrations began on Saturday morning, with Govinda groups forming human pyramids of five, six, seven and eight tiers to break Dahi Handis installed across main roads, lanes and neighbourhoods. Processions carrying idols of Lord Krishna moved through the city accompanied by drums, music and public announcements.
The report said the number of Govinda groups in Vasai-Virar increased from 99 last year to 118 this year. Women’s groups also took part in forming human pyramids. Groups competed for cash prizes and other awards while residents gathered to watch the performances.
Large celebrations were organised in areas including Vasai Vishalnagar, Ambadi Road, Panchvati Naka, Vasanta Nagari, Achole, Nilemore and Manvelpada. Political parties and social organisations also hosted Dahi Handis, with Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray faction competing for public visibility through prize events and local programmes.
According to the report, some political organisers distributed T-shirts to Govinda participants as part of their promotional activities. Several events offered prizes worth lakhs of rupees, adding to the competition among groups and attracting larger gatherings.
The concentration of spectators, processions and vehicles belonging to Govinda groups disrupted traffic management across the city. Major roads experienced severe congestion for several hours, while vehicles carrying participants reportedly formed long queues.
The report also described violations of traffic and safety rules, including cases in which three or four people travelled on a single two-wheeler to reach different events. It did not provide details of any injuries, arrests, traffic penalties or an official response from the police or civic authorities.
The celebrations concluded amid cultural programmes, drum performances and public participation across Vasai-Virar. Further official information on traffic enforcement, safety measures or action taken during the events was not included in the report.
