More than 1,000 Dahi Handi events were held across Vasai-Virar on Saturday, drawing large crowds, Govinda groups and political organisers while causing severe traffic congestion on the city’s main roads, according to a report by Loksatta.
The celebrations began in the morning, with Govinda groups forming human pyramids of five, six, seven and eight tiers to break Dahi Handis at different locations. Processions carrying figures of Lord Krishna moved through streets accompanied by drums, devotional chants, cultural performances and loud music. Residents, including women and children, gathered along roads and near buildings to watch the events.
The report said the number of Govinda groups participating in the celebrations increased from 99 last year to 118 this year. Women’s groups also took part and formed human pyramids. Groups competed for cash prizes and other awards while making ceremonial appearances at events organised across the city.
Dahi Handi programmes were reported at Vasai Vishalnagar, Ambadi Road, Panchvati Naka, Vasanta Nagari, Achole, Nilemore and Manvelpada, among other areas. Political parties and social organisations also organised events, with the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, Bharatiya Janata Party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction among those reported to be competing to attract Govinda groups and public attention.
Several organisers offered prizes worth lakhs of rupees, turning the celebrations into large public gatherings and political displays. The report also said political leaders distributed T-shirts to Govinda participants as part of promotional efforts.
The concentration of people, processions and vehicles led to traffic jams lasting several hours on major roads across Vasai-Virar. Vehicles carrying Govinda groups formed long queues, while crowds gathered around Dahi Handi locations on main roads and in residential lanes.
The report also described violations of traffic and safety rules during the celebrations. In several locations, three or four people were seen travelling on a single two-wheeler while moving between events. The report did not provide details of any official enforcement action, traffic diversion plan or injuries connected with the celebrations.
The celebrations took place after Dahi Handi received recognition as an adventure sport, a development that the report linked to increased competition among Govinda groups. The report did not specify the total number of participants, the traffic management deployment or the number of accidents recorded during the day.
