Pune Dahi Handi 2026: Govindas Intensify Practice for Record-Breaking Human Pyramids; Safety Concerns Remain

Pune, 4th September 2026: Govinda teams across Pune have intensified their preparations ahead of the Dahi Handi celebrations, with several groups aiming to create human pyramids exceeding seven tiers. As the teams undergo rigorous practice sessions, concerns over the safety of participants forming high-rise pyramids have also come into focus.

Around 14 Govinda teams are currently active in Pune, while additional teams from Baramati, Indapur, Lonavala and other areas are expected to arrive in the city for the celebrations. With participants attempting increasingly challenging human pyramids, demands have grown for better safety measures, including harnesses, helmets, knee caps and protective jackets.

The popularity of Dahi Handi celebrations has increased significantly in Pune over the years. This year too, Govinda teams comprising lawyers, college students, working professionals and teachers are preparing to participate in events across the city.

Amol Bhokare, Secretary of the Pune City District Dahi Handi Association, said that only participants above the age of 14 are included in Govinda teams from a safety perspective.

Bhokare said that following the Maharashtra government’s recognition of Dahi Handi as an adventure sport, a large number of Govinda teams are expected to participate in celebrations across Pune. He stressed the need for dedicated parking arrangements for team vehicles, adequate police deployment at crowded venues to prevent stampedes and ambulances for emergency situations.

He also emphasised that the safety of Govindas must remain the highest priority while forming tall human pyramids and called for an increase in prize money for Dahi Handi competitions.

Festive Preparations Across Pune

Dahi Handi celebrations are set to take place across Pune on Saturday, September 5. Organisers and mandals in various parts of the city, including the central Peth areas, Kothrud, Sahakarnagar, Wanowrie, Khadki, Shivajinagar and Deccan, are making extensive preparations.

Event banners highlighting prize money and celebrity appearances have already appeared across several locations. While some organisers are planning to suspend the Dahi Handi using cranes, others will use traditional rope arrangements.

Cranes Offer Better Height Control

Earlier, Dahi Handis were commonly suspended using ropes tied between two buildings. However, the use of cranes has increased at several venues.

According to Bhokare, cranes allow organisers to raise or lower the Handi as required, making it easier to control the height and safely bring it down after the celebrations. He said the crane method offers better control compared to traditional rope arrangements.

Women’s Govinda Teams Join Preparations

Practice sessions for Govinda teams in Kasba Peth have reached their final stage. Along with male participants, women’s Govinda teams are also preparing to participate in the celebrations.

The Juni Jogeshwari Women’s Govinda Team from Kasba Peth has drawn attention, with girls and women from Kasba Peth, Parvati and Keshavnagar participating in the team.

Sanjeev Taru of the Bhoiraj Dahi Handi Sangh said the team has been practising regularly, with around 70 to 80 Govindas participating every day.

“Our team practices regularly, with around 70 to 80 Govindas participating daily. We use knee caps and other safety equipment for the protection of our Govindas. While forming the pyramid, participants at the lower levels remain prepared with their hands raised so they can catch anyone falling from above. The use of cranes also makes it easier to control the height of the Dahi Handi,” Taru said.