Airoli: Suryakanta Baban Madhvi, a member of the Airoli Koliwada Govinda group, has been selected for the Indian contingent taking part in the international Human Tower Competition in Spain and France in early October.

A 52-member contingent organised under the Maharashtra Rajya Dahi Handi Govinda Association will leave Mumbai on September 30 for events hosted by Castellers de Vilafranca in Spain and Castellers de Paris in France as part of the ‘Concurs de Castells 2026’.

The team comprises leading Govindas from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Raigad and Navi Mumbai, who will attempt seven-tier human pyramids. Madhvi, 46, has participated in human pyramid formations since childhood and was also a referee at the recently held PRO Govinda competition. This will be his third international participation, following appearances in 2022 and 2024.

Madhvi said, “Spanish human towers are significantly more challenging than traditional Indian pyramids. The structure consists of formations such as 8, 6, 5, 2, 2, 2, with the top layers taking two people over two and then two. This requires tremendous balance and better technique.”

He added, “The competition is particularly demanding as international participants often train throughout the year, while Indian Govindas generally train for about a month before Janmashtami.”

An association member said, “The delegation would also study “structural mechanics, safety protocols and the cultural heritage of Spanish castells” to improve safety and performance standards in Maharashtra’s Dahi Handi tradition.”