Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Pune's DJ-Free Dahi Handi Celebration Highlights Maharashtra's Traditional Energy
Pune held a large Dahi Handi celebration without using DJs or very loud recorded music.
Instead, people enjoyed traditional drums, devotional songs and folk performances.
Thirty-one Ganesh mandals joined the event at Lal Mahal Chowk.
The Shivtej Govinda troop formed a seven-level human pyramid and broke the handi.
The troop received Rs 1.11 lakh as a prize.
Women’s lezim teams and Mardani Khel performers also entertained the crowd.
Many people still came and celebrated with great excitement.
Organisers said festivals can be energetic while staying connected to Maharashtra’s traditions.
A Dahi Handi celebration at Pune’s Lal Mahal Chowk excluded DJs and high-volume music.
Organisers used dhol-tasha, halgi, devotional music, chants and Maharashtra’s folk arts instead.
The Shivtej Govinda troop broke the handi with a seven-tier human pyramid and won Rs 1.11 lakh.
Thirty-one prominent Ganesh mandals participated in the Punit Balan Group-organised event.
Lezim, Warkari-inspired performances and Mardani Khel demonstrations complemented the celebration.
- Who
- The Punit Balan Group organised the event, with 31 Ganesh mandals participating and the Shivtej Govinda troop breaking the handi.
- What
- A traditional, DJ-free Dahi Handi celebration featuring percussion, devotional music and Maharashtra’s folk arts.
- When
- September 6, 2026, according to the article’s publication details.
- Where
- Lal Mahal Chowk in Pune, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Organisers wanted to show that a large public festival can remain energetic without high-volume DJ music while promoting Maharashtra’s cultural traditions.
- Organiser
- Punit Balan Group
- Location
- Lal Mahal Chowk, Pune
- Participating mandals
- 31 prominent Ganesh mandals
- Winning troop
- Shivtej Govinda troop
- Human pyramid
- Seven tiers
- Prize
- Rs 1.11 lakh
- Music format
- Traditional percussion, devotional music and chants instead of DJs
- Reported wider trend
- More than 200 Ganeshotsav groups reportedly avoided DJs during the festival season