Thousands of Govindas scale human pyramids for Mumbai's Dahi Handi

Thousands of 'govindas' gathered across Mumbai and neighbouring cities to mark the festival with elaborate human pyramid formations, some reaching heights of 10 tiers. The traditional Dahi Handi celebration saw participants attempting perilous climbs to shatter suspended clay pots filled with curd, a practice integral to Lord Krishna's birth commemoration.

Festive energy swept through the city from early morning hours, with vibrant processions moving through residential colonies and open grounds. The narrow lanes of central Mumbai's Lalbaug and Dadar quarters echoed with the rhythmic beats of dhols, while major venues in Thane and other suburban areas hosted larger-scale events. Hundreds of decorated handis, adorned with flowers and balloons, hung suspended across the metropolis at carefully chosen locations.

Both male and female 'govindas' participated in the spectacle, with organised troupes showcasing months of preparation and training. The competitive nature of the festival drew young people from across the region, each team vying to break the maximum number of pots and claim prize money worth substantial sums. Despite the inherent risks associated with scaling such heights, the centuries-old tradition continued to draw enthusiastic participation from the community.