Overview

• The Indian government calendar confirms Janmashtami will be observed on Saturday, August 16, with sacred midnight rituals beginning late on August 15
• Govinda Pathaks in Mumbai and Pune have intensified training sessions to perfect human pyramids for large-scale Dahi Handi competitions
• ISKCON Temple at Babulnath in Mumbai is finalizing festive decorations and crafting traditional Bal Gopal attire ahead of the celebrations
• Spectators can catch major Dahi Handi events live in Mumbai at Dadar, Lower Parel, Lalbaug and Ghatkopar, and in Pune at the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
• What began as a village ritual has evolved into a prize-driven spectacle backed by sponsors and political patrons, drawing massive crowds across Maharashtra