Janmashtami: All about Dahi Handi, the human-pyramids

This year, in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, the Dahi Handi celebrations, which are a part of Janmashtami have taken a backseat.

Several `Dahi-handi' groups in Maharashtra have decided to celebrate the Janmashtami festival in a low-key fashion, without the human pyramids. Down below are some of the Dahi Handi festivals that are usually celebrated in Mumbai, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna.

1. Sangharsh Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Thane

The Dahi Handi Mandal, which is usually organized in Thane's Pachpakhadi under the auspices of NCP MLA and state Home Minister Jitendra, has spread across the seas. Spanish players who have set world records for building human towers have also exhibited their art here. The Dahi Handi has always been the talk of the town due to its record of building tall towers every year and collecting a large sum of money. However, this year, board members are working to help the general public in their area, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

2. Sankalp Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Worli

This Dahi Handi, organized in Worli, on the initiative of Sachin Ahir, a leader who joined Shiv Sena from NCP, is one of the most famous celebrations in the city. Held at Jamboree Maidan in Worli, this Dahi Handi is also known as the tallest Dahi Handi in Mumbai. Due to the presence of Bollywood actors and other celebrities, the Sankalp Pratishthan has always been in the news. However, for two years in a row now, this Dahi Handi has been cancelled.

3. Sanskriti Yuva Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Thane

Organized on the initiative by Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Saranaik, this Dahi Handi is organized in the Vartaknagar area. Jai Jawan Govinda team had set a Guinness World Record in 2012 by constructing 9 layers of 43.79 feet in Sanskrit Yuva Pratishthan.

4. Ram Kadam Dahi Handi, Ghatkopar

This Dahi Handi is organized by BJP MLA Ram Kadam. Many celebrities from the Hindi Film Industry are usually invited for this Dahihandi. It also attracts the attention of many due to the debates that take place during the organization of the program.

5. Iskan Temple, Juhu

The famous Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple in Juhu celebrates the Dahi Handi festival in a very traditional manner every year. Shrikrushna and Radhe are worshipped with great devotion. Devotees from home and abroad attend this event every year. However, this year, the festival is being celebrated with the utmost simplicity in a low-key fashion.