From culture to sport: How Dahi Handi is transforming – insights from Mumbai’s govindas

Human pyramids, pots of curd and butter, loud DJs, cultural fervour - come August 27 and govindas will have the spotlight in the streets of Mumbai for the celebration of Dahi Handi, a cultural phenomenon usually marked one day after Janmashtami.

But even before that, govinda pathaks will compete for the coveted Pro Govinda League 2024 trophy on August 18. Now that Dahi Handi has been declared an official sport backed by the Government of Maharashtra, more youngsters are joining the bandwagon as people are more receptive towards and appreciative of the game. However, the situation wasn't the same a few years ago.

Ronit Nandgaonkar, a Mumbai-based govinda and Vice President of Aryans Govinda Pathak reveals, "The sport has got some glamour due to social media and also Pro Govinda League."

"Earlier, people looked down on govindas, believing them to be jobless. But presently, even in our team, we have engineers, doctors and other professionals. So, everyone comes together to play," the software engineer adds.

Vinayak Sawant, another member of Aryans Govinda Pathak, shares, "The perception was that this game is for taporis. Only jobless people play it. This definition has changed and the game now has the potential to go on the national level."

Dahi Handi has not just transformed in terms of how people perceive it but there have also been significant strides in the importance given to safety in this high-risk sport.

"Dahi Handi has become safer and more professional. Earlier, people didn't practice before making human pyramids. Now, we have been practicing since June 25 to train properly and minimise the risk of injuries," says Nandgaonkar.

Dr. Prafull Vanarkar, a player with Kokan Nagar Govinda Pathak, believes that the game has become more organised and structured, and there are better facilities for govindas now.

"We used to play on soil. Now we play on the mat," he states.

"Because of the Pro Govinda League, discipline has come into the competition," he adds.

The allure of the game has increased. While 20 teams participated last year in the league, 32 teams were a part of the pre-qualifiers this year.

From street to stadium

Ask any govinda about their journey with Dahi Handi and chances are it would have started as a hobby, general curiosity to explore the game or to celebrate with friends.

"We used to play with our friends in our local area just for celebration. We played Dahi Handi songs and danced," shares Nandgaonkar.

"This has been my favourite game since childhood. I have been playing since 2006. I learned to play by looking at other teams. Initially, I used to climb on the third or fourth tier but gradually my confidence increased," says Rahul Bhosle, a member of the Aryans Govinda Pathak.

Sawant reveals, "Initially, there was not much fervour of Dahi Handi. Only 4-5 pathaks in Mumbai went to seven or eight tiers. Looking at them, there was an excitement. So, I joined a mandal in my society."

(L-R) Ronit Nandgaonkar, Vinayak Sawant, Rahul Bhosle

Dahi Handi is a game that focuses on community - a fact that attracted Pravin Jadhav, a member of Kokan Nagar Govinda Pathak, to the sport.

"The game brings everyone together. The few months of practice and the atmosphere it creates is amazing," he states.

Vanarkar believes that Dahi Handi is a celebration, a tradition. It is not only about playing but also other activities that take place through these mandals.

"We're doing a lot of activities through the Pathak including social work like medical camps. We sponsored food for around 200 families during Covid," he reveals.

Nandgaonkar backs the sentiment, saying, "People who play Dahi Handi don't play for money. They don't take a single penny from the winning prize. It is all used for social causes that we organise year-round."

What was once only a celebration of culture on the streets has now reached a professional stage, with teams training extensively and competing against each other like in any other sport.

Training for Dahi Handi

With hectic academic schedules or full-time jobs, govindas also have to make time for practice that includes physical training and mental strength building.

"Practice happens every night from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM. It may also extend further," reveals Nandgaonkar, adding, "There is a process we follow. We start with warm-up and specific techniques. We don't directly make an eight-tier pyramid. It's a gradual process starting with four-tier, five-tier and so on. It takes days to reach eight-tier."

"As much as this game is about physical fitness, it's also about mental strength. So, we also have sessions focusing on increasing our concentration power," reveals Sawant.

Jadhav shares, "Everyone finishes all their work and reaches for practice by 9 PM. The training is very tough. We have matched the world-record of a 9-layer pyramid. A lot of practice and focus goes into that."

Given the increased focus on safety, govinda pathaks are opting for an injury-free approach.

"Our focus is on zero injury. We don't want to show off. Safety is a priority. The game is only for one day but injuries can last forever," says Vanarkar.

Bhosle also advises all govindas to not go beyond what is possible keeping in mind everyone's safety.

He says, "Please go only till you can. Don't try to go further and add more tiers if it poses risk to safety."

Challenges faced by govindas

While the game has evolved and gained more prominence, govindas still face challenges.

"There are overall 350 players in our team. We don't take any registration or entry fees for them. We have to make arrangements for everything from T-shirts, transportation, medical expenses, etc. So, finance is a challenge. A majority of the prize money goes into social causes. We often have to rely on politicians for the funding. So, sponsorships are the need of the hour," states Nandgaonkar.

Not all govinda pathaks have the resources for proper training and growth.

"Many mandals don't get their grounds for practicing. We used to practice in a chawl but now that our game has gone to the next level, we practice in the ground," reveals Sawant.

Jadhav has something similar to say. "Now that we are recognised, we get entry everywhere. But many others face a lot of issues in terms of management, finances, etc.," he says.

(L-R) Dr. Prafull Vanarkar, Pravin Jadhav

Pro Govinda League followed an IPL model this year with each Pathak having a team owner, which has provided financial support. However, govindas believe that there is a long way to go.

Friendships and bonding

Sport is the ultimate source of bonding. When one trains together and relies on each other not only for a prize but also their lives, strong bonding is inevitable.

"More than 100 govindas have been with us from the start. So, there's natural bonding. We also have year-round activities like cricket matches, social activities, etc. We share a family-like bond," says Nandgaonkar.

"We live as a family. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder and our power amplifies. If someone is standing on my shoulder, I have to ensure that he doesn't fall. It's all about trust. And all this requires team bonding," concludes Jadhav.

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