In pics: Dahi handi celebrations start, Mumbai govindas on a high

Dahi handi celebrations in Mumbai are on in full swing

Even as govindas in Mumbai try to break the dahi handi, we bring you some interesting moments so far.

A group in action at Dadar. (Kunal Patil/HT)

A group offers prayers before forming the pyramid. (Kunal Patil/HT)

The highest cash prize on offer so far is Rs25 lakh at Ghatkopar.

Govindas being beaten up as (Bachchan Kumar)

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.

‘Why can’t I celebrate dahi handi and I-Day together?’ (Praful Gangurde)

“This year we will host pro-Govinda, wherein there will be no competition between the groups on the basis of height, they will be judged on their timings. The first prize winner will receive Rs1 lakh, and the height will vary depending on the capacity of the mandals,” said Puvesh Sarnaik, secretary, Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan.

A group in Kalyan. (HT)

However, Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti, the umbrella body of mandals, believes that demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Service Tax (GST) has dampened the spirit of the festival as the organisers are worried that the Income Tax department is keeping a tab on them.

A govinda mandal in Thane. (Praful Gangurde)

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has declared the highest price money at Rs11 lakh to the Govinda troupes that forms nine tiers in Thane. The prize money till 2015 used to be Rs21 lakh