Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Mumbai’s All-Women Govinda Troupes Challenge Dahi Handi Tradition
Dahi Handi is a festival celebrated during Janmashtami.
People hang a clay pot filled with curd above the ground.
Govinda teams build tall human pyramids to reach and break the pot.
Mumbai held celebrations in many neighbourhoods on Saturday.
Thousands of people joined the events.
This year, all-women teams also took part in the difficult pyramid challenges.
Their participation stood out because the tradition has usually been led by men.
The festival combines faith, music, teamwork and community celebration.
Thousands of Govindas participated in Dahi Handi celebrations across Mumbai and neighbouring areas on Saturday.
All-women Govinda troupes formed and climbed human pyramids alongside male teams.
Celebrations took place in areas including Dadar, residential societies, intersections and open grounds.
Teams travelled in open trucks and tempos while dhol music and crowds filled the streets.
Dahi Handi reenacts Lord Krishna’s childhood butter-stealing exploits during Janmashtami festivities.
- Who
- Thousands of Govindas, including all-women and male Govinda troupes, took part.
- What
- Teams formed multi-tiered human pyramids to break suspended curd-filled clay pots.
- When
- On Saturday, during the 2026 Janmashtami festivities.
- Where
- Across Mumbai and neighbouring areas, including Dadar, residential societies, intersections and open grounds.
- Why
- To celebrate Janmashtami and reenact Lord Krishna’s childhood butter-stealing exploits.
- Event
- Dahi Handi celebrations
- Year
- 2026
- Location
- Mumbai and neighbouring areas in Maharashtra
- Participants
- Thousands of Govindas, including all-women troupes
- Main activity
- Building human pyramids to break suspended curd-filled clay pots
- Religious connection
- The event follows Krishna Janmashtami and depicts Lord Krishna’s childhood exploits
- Atmosphere
- Dhol music, colourful jerseys, open vehicles and large crowds