Spanish child castellers form human pyramid in Siddhivinayak temple courtyard
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Many of them were little children who are light and agile, and are taught to quickly clamber to the topmost layer of the pyramid.
The word castellers derives from human "castle makers", and reportedly originates from a festival held to honour Mother Mary in Valencia. The 'human tower' sport is popular in Spain and their castellers have often visited Mumbai and Thane in past years during Janmashtami to perform at
events in Thane.
They often climb ten layers atop one another, leaving onlookers awestruck.
Siddhivinayak temple's deputy executive officer Sandeep Rathod said Friday's unique Indo-Spanish cultural exchange was enjoyed by all. Since 2010-11, various troupes of Spanish castellers had been visiting MMR, first to watch, and then participate, in dahi handi festivities organised by NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad. This year, it is Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik who has invited the castellers for his Sanskruti dahi handi event in Thane Aug 16.
His son Purvesh said, "The castellers will form a seven level human pyramid at the Sarnaiks' handi in Thane Saturday. Purvesh said, "When we started Pro Govinda, the vision was always to take Maharashtra's beloved dahi handi tradition to the world. Inviting Marecs de Salt, the renowned Spanish Castellers, is the first step in that journey. This cultural exchange is about celebrating two incredible human tower traditions on a single platform, inspiring unity, and showcasing our heritage internationally.
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This is just the beginning."
However in Maharashtra, children below the age of 14 are forbidden by law from participating in dahi handi. Still, many little underage players were witnessed climbing the dahi handi at political events in Thane in 2024. No police action was reported.
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