Mumbai’s Alare Govinda troupe to perform Dahi Handi in Udupi on Janmashtami

Udupi: The renowned Alare Govinda team from Mumbai will perform the much-awaited Dahi Handi during the Udupi Sri Krishna Janmashtami – Vitlapindi celebrations on September 15, city organisers confirmed at a press conference on Friday.

Grand performance by Mumbai troupe

Speaking at the Udupi Press Club, Santhosh D Suvarna, coordinator of the Sri Sailakshmi troupe, said, “The Sri Sailakshmi team has organised Dahi Handi performances by the Mumbai-based Balamitra Vyam Shala for several years. In 2012, the Alare Govinda troupe was introduced to Udupi by our coordinator Madhusudhan Poojary Kemmannu. He also founded the Suryodaya Kreeda Mandal in Mumbai, renowned for its Dahi Handi events.”

A 200-member team from Mumbai will perform at 10 locations across Udupi city on September 15. The inauguration will be held at Sri Krishna Math at 9:30 am, with Paryaya Puttige seer Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji offering blessings.

Performance details and safety measures

Addressing the press, Madhusudhan Poojary Kemmannu said, “The team will arrive on September 14. They will perform at ten locations across the city, with all necessary permissions and safety measures in place. Cranes will be used to place the Dahi Handis. The team is experienced in performing 9-level pyramids in Mumbai, and in Udupi, they will perform 7-layer pyramids. In the coming years, we plan to have a larger performance in an open ground at night.”

The schedule for September 15 is as follows:

Morning session:

• 9:30 am: Sri Krishna Math opposite Kanaka Gopura

Afternoon session:

• 3:00 pm: Adi Udupi junction

Cultural significance and anticipation

The Dahi Handi performance, which involves forming human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd, is a highlight of Krishna Janmashtami festivities in Udupi. The Alare Govinda troupe’s participation has added excitement for local residents, who eagerly await the spectacle every year.

Officials assured that all safety measures, including the use of cranes and proper supervision, have been arranged to ensure a secure and entertaining experience for participants and spectators.

The press meet was attended by Jaya Poojary and Sudhkar Kotian Nejar, who lauded the efforts of organisers in maintaining tradition while ensuring public safety.