Mumbai’s dahi handi to Independence Day celebrations: 5 stories you shouldn’t miss
From dahi handi to Independence Day – top 5 stories from Mumbai
The dahi handi celebrations in the city were different this year – low on cash prizes (Rs25 lakh as the highest), but high on excitement. The city also celebrated Independence Day with patriotic fervour, even as farmers across the state are under the threat of crop loss owing to poor rain.
1. Dahi handi in Mumbai: Govindas step out, Rs25 lakh highest cash prize on offer
The dahi handi celebrations have begun in Mumbai, with govinda groups stepping out in style. The highest cash prize on offer so far is Rs25 lakh at Ghatkopar.
Except Ram Kadam, BJP MLA from Ghatkopar (West), famous for his grand celebrations, who will be hosting a celebration worth Rs25 lakh, other big revelries have either been cancelled or converted into alternate low key plans.
2. India at 70: Maharashtra celebrates Independence Day
Maharashtra on Tuesday celebrated the Independence Day with patriotic fervour, even though the commemorations were marred due to heavy rains in some parts of the state including Mumbai and coastal Konkan region.
3. Maharashtra farmers’ crisis: Dry spell in Marathwada, Vidarbha may hit crops
The prolonged dry spell in Marathwada and Vidarbha may lead to crop loss.
If it does not rain in the next four to five days, the government will have review the situation and announce measures to save crops or compensate farmers in parts of central Maharashtra and Vidarbha.
4. Dahi handi prize money drops, but excitement remains high in Thane
While organisers across the city kept dahi handi celebrations low-key, there was no dip in the excitement of govindas.
A case in point could be the Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Govinda Mandal from Jogeshwari that tried to make nine tiers at two events – Sankalp Pratishthan and MNS event at Bhagwati ground in Thane. The group however failed at both the events
5. Independence Day celebration, lower cash prizes delay start of dahi handi festivities in Thane
While Independence Day celebration delayed dahi handi festivities in Thane on Tuesday, the lower cash prizes brought down the enthusiasm of the mandals in the morning. Until 11.30am, the roads were empty, with no sign of govindas, who usually travel from one end of the city to another in trucks to cover as many events as possible. Most major event organisers have refrained from announcing big prizes this year, owing to lack of sponsors.