Pune: Kids Celebrate Janmashtami with Unique ‘Cycle Dahi Handi’

Pune, 16th August 2025: Traditional chants of “Radhe Radhe… Jai Kanhaiyalal Ki” and the beats of dhol-tasha echoed through the lanes of Shukrawar Peth on Janmashtami, as children broke an unusual ‘Cycle Dahi Handi’ at Jedhe Mansion near Panchmukhi Maruti Temple.

The event, organised by Jedhe Social Welfare Foundation and Indrani Balan Foundation in association with Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Mitra Mandal, blended festive cheer with social responsibility.

In a departure from the regular ritual, instead of curd pots filled with prizes, this ‘handi’ suspended from a crane carried 200 brand-new bicycles. After the symbolic breaking of the handi, these cycles were distributed free of cost to students from remote villages in Bhor, Rajgad, and Mulshi talukas — including Rayari, Sonde Mathana, Kondwadi, Metpilawre, Pali Budruk, Vazheghar Budruk, Lavhi Budruk, Khechare, Kalamshet, Belavade, Manded, and Bavisemal — as well as to underprivileged children from central Pune.

The atmosphere was electric with spirited performances by Mrityunjay and Ganesha dhol troupes, while the sight of cycles hanging from a crane drew the attention of passersby.

Industrialist Punit Balan, Police Deputy Commissioner Krishikesh Rawale, Assistant Commissioner Sainath Thombare, Senior Inspector Shashikant Chavan, former corporator Avinash Bagwe, organisers Kanhoji Dnyanand Jedhe, Gaurav Borade, and several committee members were present.

Speaking at the event, Balan said, “Through Indrani Balan Foundation, we have already distributed thousands of bicycles to students in Pune, Satara, and other districts. The idea is to save students in remote areas time and energy, enabling them to focus on studies and sports. This year, doing so through a festive ‘Cycle Dahi Handi’ adds to the joy.”

DCP Rawale praised the initiative, saying it was an innovative way to celebrate festivals while supporting education. “The smiles on the children’s faces after receiving bicycles were truly heart-warming,” he said.

Kanhoji Jedhe added, “Every year, we try something new. Last year, we began the ‘Cycle Handi’ to address commuting challenges faced by needy students. It is our way of giving back to society.”