Nagpur: Packed streets, soaring human pyramids and bustling markets marked a celebratory Janmashtami weekend in the city, with Dahi Handi events set to continue for several more days.Thousands gathered at Badkas Chowk on Friday, where Govinda pathaks, music and cheering crowds turned one of the city’s major Dahi Handis into a spectacle. On Saturday, celebrations moved to Itwari Tanga Stand, where a 46-year-old tradition saw nearly 11 men’s and women’s teams compete for a prize of Rs1.51 lakh.Sunday promises a bigger contest at Manewada, where the handi will initially be placed at about 100 feet. The event carries a top prize of Rs5.55 lakh for men’s teams and Rs3.33 lakh for women’s teams, with three Mumbai teams — including two women’s — invited alongside roughly six from Nagpur and nearby areas.The festivities have also boosted local markets. Confederation of All India Traders national president BC Bhartia estimated Janmashtami and Dahi Handi-related business in Nagpur at over Rs150 crore, driven mainly by sweets, dairy products, flowers, idols, puja material, decorations, traditional clothing and religious articles.Sunday’s events are scheduled at Laxmi Bhavan Square, Nehru Putla in Itwari, Chapru Nagar, Dighori Naka and Chhota Taj Bagh. Celebrations then shift to Tiranga Square and Modern Mill Square on Sept 7, Mahal Kotwali on Sept 8, and Ajni Chowk on Sept 9, with further handis at Awasthi Chowk and Telephone Exchange Chowk on Sept 12.
