These govindas get beaten up, don’t form pyramids, break dahi handis with sticks. Here’s why

It is believed that Lord Krishna enters the body of each Govinda, after which they start to behave differently. They are beaten up to get them back to normal

The dahi handi celebration in Panvel near Mumbai is unique. Here, the govindas are beaten up with jute ropes as part of a 150-year-old tradition.

The ritual being carried out in Panvel. (Bachchan Kumar)

“It is believed that Lord Krishna enters the body of each Govinda, after which they start to behave differently. They are beaten up to get them back to normal,” said Anil Kurgule, one of the organisers.

On Tuesday, hundreds of Govindas gathered in front of the Hanuman Temple.

They offered prayers to Lord Krishna and broke the dahi handis erected on the road with sticks.

They then stood in queues, after which they were beaten up with specially designed jute ropes.

The govindas then took out a procession of Lord Krishna.