Amidst the chants of 'Govinda Re Gopala', auspicious sound of drums and cards, young generation dancing to the traditional tunes of Halgi, huge crowd and thrilling human pyramids, Punekars experienced the thrill of DJ-free joint Dahi Handi organized by Punit Balan Group. Amidst the presence of thousands of people at the historic Lal Mahal Chowk, Shivtej Dahi Handi team achieved the honor of breaking the joint Dahi Handi by making a seven-tier human pyramid. By organizing a DJ-free Dahi Handi festival for the second consecutive year, Punit Balan Group set a new example through this initiative.
DJ-free Dahi Handi festival
31 public Ganesh Mandals of Pune participated in this joint Dahi Handi festival. Punit Balan, chairman of Punit Balan Group, had organized Maharashtra's first DJ-free Dahi Handi festival last year. This initiative was welcomed at all levels. Despite the heat around the use of DJs in Pune this year, Punit Balan maintained his firm stance of celebrating DJ-free Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav. Supporting his initiative, 31 Ganesh Mandals participated in the joint Dahi Handi.
danced vigorously to the beat of drums and cards
Dahi Handi festival started with the melodious playing of Prabhat Band. After this, tributes were paid to Maa Saheb Jijau at Shrimant Peshwa Ganesh Temple and Lal Mahal. The entire complex became festive with the vigorous playing of Manvandana, Ramanbagh, Gajar Pratishthan, Shivagya Dhol, Shivayoddha Mardani Akhara, Aavartan, Samarth and Shivmudra Pathaks. The youth present danced vigorously to the beat of drums and cards.
Gave salute by forming a five to seven tier human pyramid
Shivgya Pathak displayed the Bagad and Palkhi of Shrinath Baba taken out in the Jatra Yatra and during this the Bhandara was hoisted. The atmosphere became devotional with the Pakhawaj playing by the Warkari community, while the powerful tunes of Halgi filled the people with enthusiasm. The attractively decorated Dahi Handi, electric lights and cold fire fireworks along with it were the center of attraction for the people at the historic Lal Mahal Chowk located on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road. More than 21 Govinda Pathaks saluted this Dahi Handi by forming a five to seven tier human pyramid.
Shivkanya Govinda team participated
In the beginning, Shivkanya Govinda team of women took part in the Dahi Handi salute. After this, many Govinda Pathaks including Kasba Pune, Mhasoba Dahi Handi Sangh, Pandharinath Seva Mandal, Puneshwar Kasba Peth, Ganesh Mitra Mandal Kasba Peth, Rashtra Pratham Kasba Peth, Bhoiraj Sangh, Amhi Amche Raje of Mumbai and Shivtej Sangh participated with great enthusiasm.
At around 10.45 pm, Shivtej Dahi Handi team achieved the honor of breaking the historic Dahi Handi by making a seven-tier human pyramid. The team won a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh 11 thousand and a trophy of honour. Many dignitaries also participated in this Dahi Handi festival. Apart from this, foreign tourists also participated in the festival.
Helped in reducing noise pollution
Puneet Balan, Chairman, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust, Trustee and Head of Utsav, Shrimant Bhausaheb Balan Group, said, “I am deeply grateful to the Punekars for the enthusiastic response with which they made the DJ-free Dahi Handi a success for the second consecutive year. Instead of a DJ, Dahi Handi festival can be celebrated with equal enthusiasm through traditional musical instruments, Dhol-Tasha, Halgi and various cultural programs. Punekars have experienced and seen this. This helped in reducing noise pollution and also provided employment to artists playing traditional instruments. We are committed to celebrate the upcoming Ganeshotsav in the same manner.