Navi Mumbai: The Dahi Handi festival in Navi Mumbai continues to thrive with traditional fervour and enthusiasm, showcasing rich tradition and practices across various gavthana.

In Shiravane village, a traditional method still prevails where the handi is broken using the head, a practice that has been maintained for the past 50 years. Similarly, in Agroli village, the tradition involves throwing the handi to Govinda, who then breaks it with his head while holding onto the name.

Diwale village also contributes to the celebration with its own variation, where a clay pot filled with curd is broken in the temple while another handi is smashed with the head in a running attempt. This blend of tradition and festivity, despite the city's modern advancements, underscores the vibrant cultural heritage of Navi Mumbai.

In the Agri Koli community, the Dahi Handi festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The practice of "one village, one Dahi Handi" is followed, with festivities beginning early in the morning at the village temple. The bidding for the Dahi Handi is a highlight, with bids starting from one thousand rupees and sometimes reaching as high as one and a half lakh rupees, all of which are used for religious purposes.

Koparkhairane village, known for its longstanding tradition, saw a record-breaking bid of Rs. 2, 55 501 this year, placed by Mayur Dnyaneshwar Patil. This village is recognized for having the highest bids in Navi Mumbai, maintaining its reputation for enthusiastic participation.

In Turbhe village, near Hanuman Temple, the Boli Dahi Handi auction reached Rs. 90,000, conducted with respect to age-old traditions.

Kopari village, Sector 26 in Vashi, celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Dahi Handi with a traditional touch. The festivities included a night reading of holy books and aarti, with Yogesh Manohar Bhoir securing the honor of breaking the handi with a winning bid of Rs. 33, 333.

Nerul village also joined the celebrations, with the Gavdevi Prasad Bhajan Mandal organizing the event. Rajesh Pandurang Mhatre made a significant contribution by breaking the handi with a bid of Rs. 21,000.