Take a look at some of the Dahi Handi celebrations across Mumbai on Janmashtami.
Dahi Handi celebrations to mark Krishna Janmashtami got off to a colourful start in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra on Thursday, with some 'mandals' allegedly flouting the 20-ft ceiling for human pyramids mandated by the Supreme Court.
Although the apex court had made it clear that no human pyramid can go over the cap of 20-ft, in adjoining Thane district, a "Dahi Handi" was strung up at 49ft, more than double the height allowed by the Supreme Court.
Expressing displeasure over the Supreme Court's ban on 20-plus-feet cap for human pyramids, the 'Govindas' in Dadar area of Mumbai on Thursday laid down on the road and formed a pyramid on the occasion of the Dahi Handi festival.
Here are some of the photos from Dahi handi celebrations across Mumbai.
(With Agency Inputs)
1. Answer to the SC rule
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In a unique protest against the Supreme Court capping of 20ft on the human pyramid for Dahi handi celebration, the 'Govindas' from Mumbai's Dadar formed the pyramid lying down on the road. (Photo courtesy - Fariha Farooqui)
2. The Gathering
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Dahi handi festival includes the ceremony of breaking a pot that is strung up high by local youths who form a human pyramid to reach the pot. Here the participants are seen getting together just before the formation of the pyramid begins. (Photo courtesy - Fariha Farooqui)
3. Epicentre
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A circle is formed right before the boys form the pyramid structure. (Photo courtesy - Fariha Farooqui)
4. In formation
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Although not the original process, but for safety, a ladder is kept in the centre to support the frame of the human pyramid. (Photo courtesy - Fariha Farooqui)
5. Initiation
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The boys start getting on the ladder, initiating the formation of the human pyramid. (Photo courtesy - Fariha Farooqui)
6. Hit!
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The ritual is a symbol of representation of Lord Krishna as a child on his endeavour of stealing butter, which is referred to as 'dahi'. Ergo, the name of the festival.
One of the boys participating in the pyramid formation is called 'Govinda' which is a name of adulation for Lord Krishna. The boy is usually the youngest and is the one who breaks the 'handi' or the pot, suspended at the top. (Photo courtesy - Fariha Farooqui)
7. Breaking of handi
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Finally the handi is broken! (Photo courtesy - Fariha Farooqui)
