287-year-old dahi handi celebrations to come alive at Bapatwada in Old Panvel

NAVI MUMBAI: Members at the oldest dahi handi celebration at Bapatwada, Old Panvel, are gearing up to break matkis, kept at a height of a mere 6-7ft. The unique thing here is that no human pyramid is allowed. The Bapat family, the oldest clan of this city, will celebrate the 287th year of the festival.
The 10-day long Gokulashtami festival here began from Narali Purnima.Janmashtami will be observed on August 24 with day-long puja, arati and a religious procession.
Rajendra Bapat, the chief organizer, said, “In 1720, Balajipant Bapat came to Panvel and settled here. After 10 years he brought a an 8-inch brass Vittal idol from Pandharpur and installed as his house deity. Since then the reverence is enlivened every year during Gokulashtami.”
Twenty-five matkis are hung. In the afternoon, family members and invitees start breaking them. The Bapats break the matkis with silver sticks. Bapat added, “The celebration revolves around religious sentiments. No money is involved.”