Dahi Handi Festival: A Political Arena Amidst Fervent Celebrations

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seamlessly integrated political messaging into the vibrant celebrations of the Dahi Handi festival in Mumbai and surrounding areas. As part of the Janmashtami festivities, BJP leaders orchestrated grand events, highlighted by cultural programs and the formation of daring human pyramids to break suspended pots of curd and sweets. The celebrations drew massive crowds, facilitating indirect campaign efforts for the upcoming civic polls.

BJP sees the upcoming elections for various civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as a matter of prestige. The party actively targeted traditional Marathi votes to challenge the dominion of the Shiv Sena (UBT), with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurating significant events, such as the 'Parivartan Dahi Handi 2025' at Worli's Jambori Maidan. BJP's Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar and other leaders emphasized a new era for Mumbai, utilizing the festival to assert political narratives against their adversaries.

In areas like Ghatkopar and Kurla, the celebrations were marked by elaborate festivities hosted by BJP leaders and local associations, while senior party members maintained longstanding traditions of participating in Dahi Handi events. The festival's inclusivity shone through as women's teams participated alongside traditional groups. Amid claims of record-breaking pyramid formations, the political undertone of mobilizing support for the elections lingered throughout the jubilant gatherings.

(With inputs from agencies.)