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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Record 10-tier human pyramids lend thrill to Mumbai's rainy dahi handi in poll year
Mumbai: Amid driving rain during Saturday's festival of dahi handi , two govinda teams from Jogeshwari achieved a new record by forming 10-layer pyramids at three different venues in Thane and Ghatkopar. The upcoming civic polls served as a catalyst to fire up prize money and grand entertainment shows. In Mumbai, Maharashtrian enclaves like Dadar, Worli and Borivli burst forth in a tsunami of dahi handi celebrations. And a cluster of high profile events, some within handshaking distance, unfolded in Thane, which is the epicentre of this festival. All handis are backed by politicians. Kokannagar govinda troupe of Jogeshwari became the first to form a 10-layer pyramid at transport minister Pratap Sarnaik's event in Thane, winning a prize of Rs 25 lakh. Shortly afterwards, another champion team Jai Jawan, unfurled a 10-tier pyramid in Ghatkopar. It followed with a similar feat at Sarnaik's event later at night. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Gold Rates Today in Mumbai | Silver Rates Today in Mumbai CM Devendra Fadnavis visited several venues, repeating that the Mahayuti had broken the "paapachi handi" (pot of sins) of the erstwhile state govt. He promised a new "Vikasachi handi" of progress. The CM broke the symbolic handi at Jamboree Maidan, Worli. Thane, the epicentre of dahi handi, came alive with glittering celebrations, political messaging and record-setting performances ahead of the civic elections. Adding an international flavour, a troupe of Spain castellas performed at Sanskriti. The Shiv Sena Shinde faction, through the Tembhinaka Mitra Mandal, organised a grand handi in the presence of CM Fadnavis and deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Here, Fadnavis hailed late leader Anand Dighe's legacy and declared, "Last year, we broke the pot of power, this year we will break the pots of all civic bodies, including Mumbai, ensuring the butter reaches the people and not a select few." This event was not far from rival Rajan Vichare (Sena UBT)'s handi. NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad visited the MNS event, underscoring the political undertone of the festival this year. Meanwhile, the Congress, which was absent from the landscape for years, organised a 'Vote Chori' dahi handi in Goregaon. Dahi handi draws a fair share of celebrities. On Saturday, actors Jeetendra, Govinda, Chunky Panday and Janhvi Kapoor visited scattered venues. In Navi Mumbai, popular songs and Marathi tracks filled the air in Airoli at the Sunil Chougule Sports Association venue. A dahi handi offering prize money of Rs 15.5 lakh in Airoli, initiated by Sahil Chougule of Shiv Sena (Shinde), drew large crowds. Actresses Sonali Kulkarni and Mansi Naik visited. However, rules surrounding safety and underage children were observed more in breach. Scores of small children below 14 were rampantly visible climbing pyramids despite the ban. Police action was not noticed. Lavani dancers and gyrating performers kept the front benchers entertained. Dombivli witnessed a vibrant celebration at state BJP president Ravindra Chavan's event at Baji Prabhu Chowk. An eight-tier pyramid was the highlight at Shiv Sena (UBT) district president Dipesh Mhatre's event. In Kalyan, Shiv Sena's Nilesh Shinde and Ravi Patil's events drew vast crowds. Mumbaikars could not fail to notice how the actual pot of curd, which is missing from most venues since many years, made a rare appearance in Thane. Visiting Spanish castellers were granted the honour of breaking a real dahi handi. (Inputs by Richa Pinto, Nishikant Karlikar, V Narayan, Pradeep Gupta, Vishal Rajemahadik, BB Nayak, George Mendonca, Pushkraj Vernekar and Bella Jaisinghani) Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- New Indian Express
Dahi Handi festival in Maharashtra witnesses historic world record in human pyramid formation
MUMBAI: Maharashtra celebrated the Dahi Handi festival by making a historic world record with the formation of a ten-tier Govinda human pyramid in Thane. During the Dahi Handi festival, one Govinda died while tying the rope to climb for Govindas at Mankhurd, while 30 Govindas got injured in different parts of the city in Mumbai. The historic world record was achieved by Jogeshwari's Konkan Nagar Govinda Pathak by forming a 10-tier human pyramid at the Sanskruti Dahi Handi festival in Thane, hosted by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. It was this year's first 10-storey pyramid. This pathak also incorporated a 'Char Ekka' formation. It's a formation where four participants are stacked atop a single person. This feat requires remarkable strength, balance, and coordination. The transport minister, Sarnaik, congratulated the team, saying, "This is not a record, it's a sign of focus, teamwork, and organisation. The Govindas have indeed shown skill and commitment." The minister also awarded Rs 25 lakh as a cash prize to this mandal that made the world record by forming a tenth-tier human pyramid.
NDTV
3 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Mumbai Dahi Handi Govinda Team Sets 10-Tier Human Pyramid Record
The Dahi Handi festivities in Maharashtra witnessed a historic moment as Jogeshwari's Konkan Nagar Govinda Pathak set a world record by forming a 10-tier human pyramid. The feat was achieved during the Sanskruti Dahi Handi festival in Thane, hosted by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. It was this year's first 10-storey pyramid. Amid roaring applause, the Govinda Pathak not only formed the towering 10-level pyramid, but also incorporated a 'Char Ekka' formation. It's a formation where four participants are stacked atop a single person. This feat requires remarkable strength, balance and coordination. Mr Sarnaik congratulated the team, saying, 'This is not a record, it's a sign of focus, teamwork and organisation. The Govindas have indeed shown skill and commitment.' Jogeshwari has been at the forefront for many years when it comes to Dahi Handi celebrations. Previously, the Jai Jawan Mitra Mandal Govinda team had a record for making nine-tier pyramids for five consecutive years. Dahi Handi in Maharashtra Every year, as Janmashtami draws near, Maharashtra comes alive with Dahi Handi preparations. The festival, inspired by the legend of Lord Krishna's love for butter, has grown into a grand spectacle in cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Nashik. Handis filled with curd are strung across narrow lanes or mounted on cranes, while teams of Govindas form multi-tier pyramids to reach and break the Handi. Over the years, Dahi Handi has evolved beyond a cultural ritual into a competitive and commercial affair. Prize money, sponsorships and extensive media coverage have raised the stakes, making it a platform for both athletic skill and team strategy.
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Watch: Konkan Nagar Govinda Pathak Creates 10-Level Human Pyramid in Thane, Sets Dahi Handi Record
Last Updated: As the final layer of the pyramid rose to the top, the crowd erupted in cheers, witnessing what is now the tallest formation. Maharashtra is celebrating the festival of Krishna Janmashtami with great enthusiasm. Dahi Handi events have been organised at several places, with political leaders and renowned personalities being a part of the event. Amid celebrations, the new Konkan Nagar Govinda Pathak from Jogeshwari set a new benchmark at this year's Dahi Handi celebrations in Thane. Performing at the popular Pratap Sarnaik Dahi Handi event, the team built a 10-level human pyramid, breaking the previous record of nine levels held by the Jai Jawan group. Each year, as Janmashtami approaches, the air in Maharashtra becomes electric with excitement. Dahi Handi, one of the state's most iconic and physically demanding celebrations, transforms towns and cities into grand stages of devotion and display. Rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna's love for butter, the festival sees hundreds of Govinda Pathaks (teams of participants) take to the streets, forming towering human pyramids to reach and break an earthen pot (handi) suspended several meters above the ground. In cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik, Dahi Handi has grown from a local tradition to a full-fledged spectacle. Handis are often strung across narrow lanes or towering cranes, while local residents and tourists pack every corner to witness the spectacle. Over the years, the event has also taken on a competitive and commercial edge, with prize money, sponsorships, and media coverage making it a high-stakes affair for Govinda groups. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Calligraphy becomes a therapeutic and creative pursuit for women
Mumbai: A few years ago, Hajra Aijaz Farahi faced a personal crisis. Negative thoughts weighed her down, and bouts of nervousness began affecting her productivity. Then, a computer teacher and her elder sister suggested she learn calligraphy. Next, she walked into senior calligrapher Mehmood Shaikh's calligraphy class in Jogeshwari West. "I went there just to see what it's about as I did not know anything about this art," says Farahi, an Arts graduate from Bhavan's College, Andheri West. She fell in love with this beautiful art instantly. As she picked up the pointed pen and began giving strokes, it calmed her nerves and restored her confidence. "It worked like magic. I got involved in it so deeply that I forgot the worries that nagged me endlessly," says Farahi, now a trained calligrapher whose recent show at Islam Gymkhana received huge admiration from viewers. Apart from attending Shaikh's classes at Jogeshwari, Farahi honed her skills also at senior calligrapher Aslam Kiratpuri's classes at Mumbai University's Kalina campus. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai As World Calligraphy Day (August 13) nears, it seems relevant to talk about this vibrant form of visual art as among its many takers increasingly are Muslim women. No longer just a hobby, many are using it as a therapeutic tool, a medium to express their feelings. Students, homemakers, professionals, and women from diverse backgrounds are learning it. "Social media has enhanced scope in calligraphy. More and more people, especially girls, are learning it," informs Mazgaon-based senior artist and calligrapher Salva Rasool. She says calligraphy brings the artists closer to their creators. Learning it online may not give the desired perfection. You need hand-holding by an ustad. "I first learnt it from an ustad in Bengaluru, then approached a master calligrapher in China, and a calligrapher in Istanbul (Turkey) is my latest ustad. Calligraphy during the Ottoman rule was an evolved and fabulously popular art, and I want to dive deep into it," says Rasool, a J J School of Art graduate whose works decorate private homes and pilgrim guesthouses, from Mumbai to Panjim, Cairo to Karbala (Iraq). And if you think only Muslim men or women are learning it, meet Kritika Shrivastava, an artist engaged in creating Urdu fonts. Originally from Lucknow, this city-based artist became fascinated by the very lettering that calligraphy deals with. "I grew up imbibing the composite culture of Lucknow and was exposed to the sweetness of Urdu quite early. But then I realised that calligraphy could help me appreciate the language better. Mehmood Shaikh Sir has been a great guide," says Shrivastava. "She has shown great diligence and picked it up fast," appreciates Shaikh, a calligraphy teacher in the city for nearly four decades. Interestingly, most of the master trainers in calligraphy in the city today are former employees of Urdu newspapers which either folded up or have embraced technological evolution in typing and printing. "Many of my fellow calligraphers at Urdu newspapers became reporters. Some of us remained in it and are now trying to transfer the legacy to the new generation of learners," says Shaikh, who received critical appreciation also for doing calligraphy of many copies of the holy Quran. Shaikh's student, Taniya Javed Shaikh, says she found her "mentor" online. "I was interested in learning it, and an online search led me to Mehmood Sir's class. It helped me concentrate more on my studies. This art needs encouragement as opportunities have opened in it," says the Commerce graduate.
