Dahi Handi 2018 Date & Facts: From Guinness World Record to Highest Prize Money, Know About Most Popular Dahi Handi Events in Mumbai

Dahi Handi events will be held across Mumbai on September 3 as a part of Janmashtami celebrations. Govindas will fill the streets of the city with music and dance. Dahi Handi is celebrated a day after Krishna Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna. This year as Janmashtami or Krishna Jayanti falls on September 3, Dahi Handi celebrations will also be held on 3rd. Govindas form different groups and step out in style representing their teams. With lakhs of prize money attached to winners, people actively participate. Moreover, the festival represents young Krishna and his friends stealing butter from pots hanging from the roof of his house and neighbouring ones in Vrindavan.

Mumbai has some of the most popular Dahi Handi events in the country. Last year more than 20,000 people took part in celebrations in Thane. Govinda troupes across Maharashtra had competed to form human pyramids and break pots filled with curd and other things. While injuries are common during these events, people continue to celebrate it in a grand manner. Also according to a Supreme Court and Mumbai High Court order last year, children below 14 years of age are not allowed in participate in the formation of multi-tier colourful human pyramids. Janmashtami 2018 Dahi Handi in Mumbai: Watch Jai Jawan Govinda Pathak's Record-Breaking 9 Thar Videos

Here are five most popular Dahi Handi events in Mumbai:

Sangharsh Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Thane

Thane witnesses some of the grandest Govinda celebrations in Mumbai. This one in Thane is one of the richest Dahi Handi Mandal in Mumbai. In 2017 there were fewer cash prizes due to demonetisation, official restrictions on Govindas and a dip in economic growth. In 2013, the prize money Rs 1.11 crore, while in 2014 it was Rs 51 lakh, Rs 25 lakh to the teams who win and Rs 26 lakh to other teams. Krishna Janmashtami 2018: Janmashtami Decorations, Their Significance and Simple DIY Ideas, Watch Video

Venue: Sangarsh, Open House Panchpakahadi, Thane

Sankalp Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Worli

Shree Sankalp Pratishtan Charitable Trust established by Nationalist Congress Party Sachin Ahir organises Worli Festival and Dahi Handi events.  The pot hung at Sankalp Pratishthan Dahi Handi in Worli is generally the tallest one in Mumbai. Worli's Jamboree Maidan witnesses large crowds and hence tight police protection is arranged in the area. Many Bollywood celebrities also grace the occasion giving more reasons for revellers to enjoy.

Venue: Jambori Maidan, BDD Chawls, Worli

Ram Kadam Dahi Handi, Ghatkopar

Celebrities are a common sight at this Dahi Handi event which receives Govindas from all over Mumbai. In the past, celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Ameesha Patel and Asha Parekh have attended the event. It is named after BJP MLA Ram Kadam.

Venue: Sanitarium Lane, Ghatkopar

Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Thane

Jai Jawan Govinda Pathak Pandal entered Guinness World Record for forming 43.79 foot and nine layers human pyramid in 2012. The group won Rs 11 lakh as a cash prize. Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan Dahi Handi has been organising Dahi Handi for many years now. The event is organised by Shiv Sena legislator Pratap Sarnaik and Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan Dahi Handi.  Janmashtami 2018 Date: Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi & Fasting Rules to Observe on Gokulashtami, the Birth of Lord Krishna

Venue: Vartak Nagar, Thane

Shramik Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Kharghar

Shramik Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal garners the whole of Navi Mumbai in Kharghar. The difficulty level is high here and many a time teams fail to break the pot.

Venue: Kharghar

Due to the various directives by the High court and Supreme Court last year, celebrations have been cut short. Hence to ensure the safety of Govindas, Dahi Handi Samnvay Samitee has collaborated with the Oriental Insurance Company. They offer Rs 10 lakh accident and death insurance to participants for a one-time premium of Rs 75, according to a Mumbai Mirror report. The insurance is applicable from the first day of practice until the day of the festival. It will be applicable for one month.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2018 12:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).