Pune: Cycle Dahi Handi Celebrated with the Distribution of 100 Bicycles to Needy Children

Pune, 27th August 2024: In a unique and heartwarming celebration, the Jedhe Social Welfare Foundation and the Indrani Balan Foundation organized an innovative “Cycle Dahi Handi” event at Jedhe Mansion, Panchmukhi Maruti Mandir in Shukrawar Peth. The event saw the participation of Balgopals (young devotees) who celebrated the festival by breaking a traditional Dahi Handi, but with a twist—100 bicycles were distributed to underprivileged children as part of the festivities.

The event was marked by the joyful chants of “Gopal Krishna Govind Hare Murari” and “Jai Kanhaiyalal Ki,” as the Balgopals took part in the innovative celebration. The Dahi Handi, tied between a collection of bicycles and suspended from a crane, was the center of attention. The bicycles were later distributed free of charge to children from Karanjgaon, Bramhanwadi, Mormarewadi, Palenama in Maval taluka, and various parts of Pune city.

The event was graced by prominent local figures, including entrepreneur Punit Balan, Additional Commissioner of Police Praveen Patil, former Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe, and Ex-MLA Mohan Joshi. Other notable attendees included social activists, community leaders, and organizers, all of whom expressed their support for this noble initiative.

Punit Balan, speaking at the event, highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Indrani Balan Foundation, saying, “So far, we have distributed 12,000 bicycles to students in Pune, Satara, and other districts. The aim is to provide students in remote areas with the means to save time and focus on their studies and sports. This year, 100 bicycles are being distributed through this innovative Cycle Dahi Handi, and we plan to distribute 500 bicycles next year.”

Additional Commissioner of Police Praveen Patil praised the initiative, stating, “I was curious to see what an innovative Cycle Dahi Handi would look like. I was delighted to witness the social commitment behind this activity. Celebrating festivals in such a constructive way brings joy, especially when it lights up the faces of children in rural areas who receive these bicycles.”

Former MLA Mohan Joshi also commended the event, adding, “This is the only social Dahi Handi in Pune where the focus is on social welfare. Balan’s initiative is truly commendable. Under the Jedhe Social Welfare Foundation, Dahi Handi is celebrated every year with the aim of benefiting society’s children.”

Kanhoji Jedhe, one of the organizers, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to innovation and social responsibility, saying, “Every year, we strive to do something new and meaningful. Last year, we distributed over a thousand toys through an innovative Toy Dahi Handi. This year, we have continued our efforts to support the community by providing bicycles to children in need.”