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Key Points

Twenty-five Pune mandals are ditching DJs for traditional Dhol Tasha performances this Dahi Handi season. PM Modi and President Murmu shared heartfelt Janmashtami wishes, celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth. The festival highlights human pyramids breaking pots of curd, mirroring Krishna’s playful antics. This cultural shift aims to bring authenticity back to the celebrations.

Key Points: Pune Dahi Handi Mandals Swap DJs for Traditional Dhol Tasha Beats

  • Pune mandals embrace tradition by replacing DJs with Dhol Tasha
  • PM Modi and President Murmu extend Janmashtami greetings
  • Dahi Handi symbolizes Lord Krishna’s playful childhood
  • Cultural shift aims for authenticity in festival celebrations
2 min read

Maharashtra: Pune mandals replace DJs with Dhol Tasha, bringing back tradition in this year's Dahi Handi

25 Pune mandals revive cultural roots by replacing DJs with Dhol Tasha troupes for this year's Dahi Handi celebrations.

"This year, 25 mandals are coming together to celebrate the dahi handi more traditionally, without DJs. – Punit Balan"

Pune, August 16

This year, 25 mandals in Pune will celebrate Dahi Handi with the beats of traditional Dhol Tasha instead of DJs, Festival Head Punit Balan of Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganesh Mandal said, as part of efforts to bring back a more cultural and authentic flavour to the festival.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, Balan said, "This year, 25 mandals are coming together to celebrate the dahi handi more traditionally, without DJs. The event will start with the Dhol Tasha troupes."

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to people on the occasion of Janmashtami, describing it as a sacred festival of faith.

In an X post, PM Modi wrote, "Heartfelt Janmashtami greetings to all countrymen. May this sacred festival of faith, joy, and enthusiasm infuse new energy and zeal into your lives. Jai Shri Krishna!"

Janmashtami is observed as the day of Lord Krishna's birth.

President Droupadi Murmu also extended warm wishes to Indians in the country and abroad on the eve of the festival.

According to a release from the President's Secretariat, the President said, "On the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, a festival filled with joy and enthusiasm, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all the Indians living in India and abroad."

She added, "The life and teachings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna inspire us towards self-development and self-realisation. Bhagwan Shri Krishna enlightened humanity about the attainment of the ultimate truth by following the path of Dharma. This festival inspires us to adopt eternal values embodied by Yogeshwar Shri Krishna. On this occasion, let us all take a pledge to follow the teachings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna and make our society and nation stronger."

Preparations for Dahi Handi festivities and Janmashtami are underway across the country, including in Maharashtra, where grand Dahi Handi events feature human pyramids formed by devotees to break earthen pots filled with curd, butter and other milk products -- symbolising Lord Krishna's childhood playfulness and his love for butter and curd.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the cultural aspect, I hope they maintain proper safety measures for the human pyramids. Every year we hear about injuries during Dahi Handi. Tradition is important but safety first!
S
Sarah B
As someone new to India, I'm fascinated by these traditions! The Dhol Tasha performances I've seen are absolutely mesmerizing. Looking forward to experiencing my first Dahi Handi celebrations this year!
V
Vikram M
Finally some sense prevails! DJs were making our festivals look like cheap weddings. The traditional instruments create such a divine atmosphere during Janmashtami. Jai Shri Krishna! 🎉
K
Kavya N
My grandfather will be so happy to hear this! He always complained about how modern celebrations were losing their soul. Maybe next year they can include more folk dances too?
M
Michael C
Interesting cultural shift. In the West we often struggle with balancing tradition and modernity in our celebrations too. Pune seems to be finding a nice middle ground here.
D
Divya L
The Dhol Tasha groups practice for months for these performances! Glad they're getting the recognition they deserve instead of being replaced by recorded music. Our local artists need this platform.

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