Dahi Handi 2026: Netizens Slam Dance Performances to Vulgar Songs, Ask ‘Is This Maharashtra Culture?’ (Videos)

Dance videos from Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra have drawn criticism on social media, with users objecting to women performing to songs they described as vulgar and using suggestive dance steps. Videos reportedly from events in Thane and Dombivli have prompted debate over whether such performances are consistent with Maharashtra's cultural traditions.

Several users criticised the performances while calling for greater respect for women at public celebrations. Some posts also questioned whether organisers should allow entertainment programmes that, according to the commenters, objectify women during religious and cultural festivities. Mumbai Dahi Handi Tragedy: 7-Year-Old Boy Dies After Brick Column Collapses in Malad.

Netizens Slam Dance Performances to Vulgar Songs on Dahi Handi 2026

 

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महाराष्ट्रीय संस्कृती अशी गलिच्छ नक्कीच नाही 😡😡 pic.twitter.com/NsmS1h4bov

— आनंद (@mum_anand) September 5, 2026

डोंबिवली दहीहंडी 2026

रस्ते, पाणी, वाहतूक व्यवस्था यासाठी पैसा नाही..

संस्कृती आणि परंपरा. pic.twitter.com/z6UGq3e6g5

— 🇮🇳Bhakta's Vikas/भक्तांचा विकास (@kisora_pat7606) September 6, 2026

Few days back we used to question or taunt Northies with videos from Kawad yantra. Now they have answer with videos from Dahihandi. What a downfall for a such a graceful beautiful State Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/mRm9tZBvlg

— माधव देशमुख (@DeshmukhiMaaj) September 6, 2026

Maharashtra displays it's newly found Cultural Heritage in Dahi Handi.

Can you believe this Country had a National Outrage over an actress's visible neckline and a Besharam Rang song..now it's going full throttle with obscene dance numbers in every Holy Festival. pic.twitter.com/R701atlu5X

— D (@Deb_livnletliv) September 6, 2026

Dance Videos Draw Social Media Backlash

One of the videos circulating online was said to be from Indra Nagar in Thane. Users reacting to the footage criticised the choice of songs and dance moves, describing them as inappropriate for a festival event. One user wrote, "Ache se badhao Maharashtra ki shaan", urging organisers and participants to uphold the state's reputation.

Another social media user said: "Maharashtrian culture is definitely not that filthy." The comments reflected criticism of what users viewed as vulgarity during a traditional celebration. Pune Dahi Handi Tragedy: 45-Year-Old Woman Crushed to Death After Iron Structure Collapses (Video).

‘Is This Progressive Maharashtra?’

Another widely shared Marathi comment questioned the use of women as entertainment during festivals. "Celebrate festivals and festivities with joy, but treating women merely as a means of entertainment is not Maharashtra's culture."

The user further wrote: "Let us preserve our traditions, but let us also respect women. Is this the progressive Maharashtra?" The remarks called for traditional celebrations to be conducted while maintaining respect for women.

A separate post referred to "Dombivli Dahi Handi 2026" while criticising arrangements and priorities surrounding the celebration. The user wrote: "No money for roads, water, transportation arrangements. Culture and tradition." The post contrasted civic concerns with the spending and focus associated with festival celebrations.

Dahi Handi celebrations are traditionally associated with Janmashtami and the formation of human pyramids to break a suspended earthen pot. Over the years, celebrations in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra have also included music, stage performances and entertainment programmes.

The latest social media reactions have focused on the nature of some dance performances, particularly the use of songs and steps that commenters considered vulgar or inappropriate.

The criticism has centred on the argument that cultural celebrations can include entertainment without compromising women's dignity or respect. At the same time, the social media posts represent individual reactions to the videos, and the context of the performances, including the organisers' perspective, is not clear from the material available.

The videos and comments continue to fuel discussion online about the balance between entertainment, public celebrations and cultural values during Dahi Handi festivities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2026 03:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).