Surat, July 7 – Preparations for the Janmashtami festival are in full swing across Surat, with the city's first major planning meeting for the Govinda Utsav taking place on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, and held at his Ambanagar office near Sosyo Circle.
The session began with a two-minute silence to honor the victims of the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad. Following this, the date for this year’s grand Govinda procession and Dahi Handi celebration was finalized for Saturday, August 16, 2025.
As per report, permit forms for participation were distributed during the meeting. Out of the 136 registered Govinda mandals in Surat, 96 received their permits. The event saw attendance from approximately 250 mandal heads. Also present were Govinda Utsav Committee President Ganeshbhai Sawant, former Vice President Chhotubhai Patil, Municipal Councillor Kunalbhai Selar, and other key community leaders.
Govinda mandals that have not yet collected their permits can do so from the second floor of Sankalp Shopping Complex, located in Althan Tenement. During the meeting, it was indicated that the number of participating mandals this year may surpass last year’s total, reflecting a rise in enthusiasm among local groups.
The Dahi Handi festival, celebrated annually on Janmashtami in Surat, is known for its grandeur and cultural vibrancy, drawing active participation from youth across the city. This year’s preparations are proceeding with the same excitement and devotion that have long defined this cherished celebration.
