More than 1,000 Dahihandi celebrations were held across Vasai-Virar on Saturday, drawing large crowds, Govinda groups and political organisers while causing prolonged traffic congestion on the city’s main roads, according to a report by Loksatta.
The celebrations began in the morning on Dahi Kala day, with Govinda groups forming human pyramids ranging from five to eight tiers to break suspended earthen pots. Processions carrying images of Lord Krishna moved through neighbourhoods accompanied by drums, music and public announcements. Dahihandis were installed on main roads, internal streets and at venues organised by political parties and social organisations.
Large crowds gathered to watch the pyramid formations and the breaking of the pots. The report said residents, women and children attended events across the city, where cultural programmes, traditional costumes and water being sprayed from buildings formed part of the celebrations. Cash prizes and other rewards were offered to Govinda groups participating in salami performances.
The number of Govinda groups taking part this year increased to 118 from 99, according to the report. Women’s teams also participated in forming human pyramids. The increase followed the recognition of Dahi Handi as an adventure sport, which has contributed to greater competition among participating groups, the report said.
Political parties and social organisations organised high-value Dahihandis at several locations, including Vishal Nagar, Ambadi Road, Panchavati Naka, Vasanta Nagari, Achole, Nilemora and Manvelpada. The report identified participation from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, Bharatiya Janata Party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Some political organisers distributed T-shirts to Govindas as part of promotional activity, according to the report.
The scale of the celebrations disrupted traffic movement across Vasai-Virar. Crowds and lines of vehicles carrying Govinda groups led to heavy congestion on major roads for several hours. The report also described riders travelling unsafely, including instances of three or four people riding on a single two-wheeler while moving between venues for salami performances.
The report did not provide details of an official traffic diversion plan, enforcement action or a statement from the municipal administration or traffic police. It said the celebrations continued amid congestion and violations of safety and traffic rules in several parts of the city.
