Record-Breaking Crowd at Balewadi Dahi Handi Event Organized by Amol Balwadkar Foundation
Kothrud, August 28: The Amol Balwadkar Foundation’s Dahi Handi festival drew a record-breaking crowd, with the entire Kothrud community turning out in full force to celebrate the occasion.
The event, held at Balewadi High Street Ground, was marked by electrifying energy as chants of ‘Govinda Ala Re Ala’ and ‘Bajrang Bali Ki Jai’ echoed through the air. The festive atmosphere was further heightened by the beats of DJ music and a light drizzle, which added to the excitement of the youth in attendance.
Govinda teams from across Maharashtra, including Pune, Mumbai, Baramati, and Thane, participated in the event, showcasing their skills and dedication. The highlight of the evening came shortly after 9:15 PM when the Shri Krishna Govinda team from Ghatkopar, Mumbai, successfully broke the Dahi Handi with a seven-tier human pyramid, earning loud applause from the gathered crowd.
In addition to the Dahi Handi celebrations, the event also featured a special ceremony to honor Swapnil Kusale, a native of Kolhapur, who brought pride to Maharashtra by winning a bronze medal in the 50m Rifle Shooting event at the Paris Olympics. Kusale was felicitated by the Foundation with a cash prize of ₹5 lakh and a certificate of honor, in recognition of his achievement.
The Dahi Handi festival organized by the Amol Balwadkar Foundation has always been a major attraction in the Kothrud area, known for drawing large crowds, particularly among the youth. This year’s event was no exception, with attendance surpassing previous records. The presence of DJs and rappers like DJ Kartik A-Yo, Myra, and Akshay added an extra layer of excitement, making them key attractions of the evening.
Citizens from various parts of Pune, including the Kothrud constituency, flocked to the event to witness the celebrations. Members of the Amol Balwadkar Foundation were present in full strength to ensure the smooth running of the event.