FIFA U-17 World Cup takes over Janmashtami Festival

by Chittu Shetty August 16, 2017

The annual Hindu festival witnessed a FIFA U-17 World Cup themed celebrations this year as football takes over the city of Mumbai

This year political party Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde organized a Football based Dahi Handi – The Annual human pyramid festival – taking into consideration the football fever that is slowly sweeping across the entire country with the upcoming U-17 World Cup just around the corner.

Popularized by former Shiv Sena leader, late Anand Dighe, their Dahi Handi is considered to be one of the biggest and grandest of the city. Aditya Thackeray, the president of Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) took this opportunity in promoting the upcoming U-17 FIFA World Cup among the general public of the city. So that even a non-regular football fan can flock to the stadium in support of their country just like they do it in cricket. Henry Menezes, CEO of Western India Football Association(WIFA) was also instrumental in creating this Idea of promoting the game amidst the festival.

The earthen pot filled with Dahi was designed as football while the trophies for winners too had football designs over them. The political parties attempt at promoting the game which will witness a one of its kind extravaganza in two months time was applauded by football fans across the country.

Check out the whole picture gallery of the event here: Photo Gallery- FIFA U17 World Cup Themed Janmashtami Celebration

The entire area was filled with hoardings of various countries flags that will participate in the upcoming world cup.The event was also graced by various famous personalities from a various spectrum like Avadhoot Gupte, the Marathi singer and composer witnessed the event alongside Aditya Thackeray, Head of Yuva Sena, who has also been a vocal supporter of promoting the game in India.

This kid has taken Messi and Cristiano’s celebration to a whole new level. #Janmashtmi #FIFAU17WC

A post shared by Football Counter (@footballcounter) on Aug 16, 2017 at 4:19am PDT

Remember the recent Cristiano Ronaldo shirt celebration that mimicked the Lionel Messi’s celebration back at Santiago Bernabeu, well it was not just left it there. One young fan from one of the Govinda groups even did a Messique celebration of showcasing the T-shirt to the crowd only this time it was done in style of respect. The entire event witnessed a huge crowd of some fans actually appreciating the gesture. While people seemed to enjoy the festival, Shiv Sena’s football theme was definitely a big hit too.