Thane dahi handi events announce prizes of up to Rs 71 lakh

BJP MLA Shivaji Patil’s dahi handi event in Thane has announced a prize pool of Rs 71 lakh for Saturday’s celebrations, the largest among the events listed in the draft.

Other Thane organisers have also announced prizes. MNS leader Avinash Jadhav’s event has a Rs 25 lakh prize pool and a world-record target. BJP Thane city and Sharada Sankalp Pratishthan have announced Rs 55 lakh.

Thane Yuva Star Pratishthan and Sai Jalaram Pratishthan have each announced Rs 21 lakh. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik’s Sanskriti Yuva Pratishthan is offering Rs 11 lakh for a 10-tier pyramid, while MLA Ravindra Phatak’s Sankalp Pratishthan has announced Rs 21 lakh for an 11-tier pyramid. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced Rs 1.51 lakh and a memento.

Mumbai events remain scheduled in several neighbourhoods. BJP leader Ram Kadam is organising an event in Ghatkopar, MNS leader Karna Dunbale in Chembur, and BJP leader Prakash Surve in Borivli. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently attended the Sarnaik-backed Pro Govinda League in Worli.

A leader of a govinda mandal said headline prize figures can include event, promotion and other costs. Participating groups receive prize money according to the number of pyramid layers they form.

Organisers are expected to follow safety measures including insurance, helmets and harnesses. Children under 14 cannot participate.