Dahi handi in Mumbai: Govinda group makes nine-tier pyramid in Thane, wins Rs11 lakh

The Shiv Sai mandal managed the feat at Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s event held at Naupada, winning the Rs11 lakh cash prize

Two govinda groups – Shiv Sai Govinda mandal from Borivli and Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Govinda mandal from Jogeshwari – managed to reach up to nine tiers at two separate events in Thane on Tuesday.

The Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Govinda mandal at Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan. (Praful Gangurde)

The Shiv Sai mandal managed the feat at Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s event held at Naupada, winning the Rs11 lakh cash prize.

The Jai Jawan mandal formed a nine-tier pyramid at Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan event organised by MLA Pratap Sarnaik.

The groups had made nine-tier pyramids last year too, despite the court’s directive restricting the height of the pyramid to 4-5 tiers.

Milind Kolwankar, president of Shiv Sai mandal, said, “This year there was no clarity on whether we can hold dahi handi events. The court’s decision came in at a time when govindas were almost done with their practice sessions. This affected their excitement.”

“The prize money, too, is dwindled. We have to spend a lot on practising for nine tiers. The prize money needs to be worth the effort,” he said.