If you think Dahi Handi is just about breaking pots, think again. In Mumbai, this festival is as much about grit and glory as it is about tradition. Every Krishna Janmashtami, chants of “Govinda aala re” echo through the city as Govinda Pathaks form daring human pyramids, blending faith and fierce competition.
But once a Jogeshwari-based team took this age-old celebration to another level, quite literally.
Throwback to a record-breaking feat – not once but twice
Dahi Handi in Mumbai has always been about daring pyramids, but in 2012, Jai Jawan Govinda Pathak from Jogeshwari lifted the festival to global fame. The team stacked nine levels to reach 13.34 metres (43.79 feet), officially securing a Guinness World Record for the tallest human pyramid. Their achievement even outshone international challengers from Spain and China.
Years later, they returned to reclaim the crown, this time climbing even higher. At the 2022 celebrations, the team pushed past its old benchmark, building a jaw-dropping 50-foot pyramid. The climactic moment came when a 14-year-old Govinda smashed the suspended handi, sealing their record with both tradition and triumph.
Dahi Handi in Mumbai today
Every year, Mumbai comes alive with the vibrant celebrations of Dahi Handi, where tradition meets competitive spirit. From Dadar and Lalbaug to Andheri, Goregaon, Mulund and Worli, Govinda Pathaks (teams) take centre stage, building towering human pyramids known as thars.
Their ultimate mission is to break an earthen pot filled with curd, suspended at dizzying heights. The air resounds with beating drums, Bollywood tracks and chants of "Govinda aala re!" as onlookers cheer.
The festival's popularity has surged in recent years, extending beyond Mumbai to Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel and Kalyan. Political patronage, hefty cash prizes, celebrity appearances, and live stage shows have transformed Dahi Handi into a grand public spectacle.
