MUMBAI: The Kokannagar Govinda Pathak of Jogeshwari jointly with dahi handi organiser Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan Trust have gained recognition in the Guinness Book of Records for forming the tallest human pyramid at 10 tiers.The achievement occurred Aug 16, 2025, on Janmashtami day at Sanskruti’s dahi handi event in Thane. The certificate was presented to Kokannagar at Siddhivinayak temple Thursday. Their coach Vivek Kochrekar said, “We are the first team in India to form 10 layers in India. The Guinness officials have verified it according to international norms.”However, its rival Jai Jawan Govinda Pathak, also from Jogeshwari, has objected to this entry, saying it too formed ten tier pyramids — three times that same day — but did not receive mention.Coach Sandeep Dhavale said, “We too formed ten tiers on dahi handi at three venues. It was a hat trick. Until two days ago, Guinness reps told me there was no other contender for the tallest pyramid record other than ours. But last night we learnt they had announced another winner. We were shocked. How can this be?Dhavale added, “We had achieved a Guinness record in 2012 for the tallest pyramid at 42.79 ft at nine tiers. The Guinness representatives were present on site. But this time the record has been granted for ten tiers without their representatives being there. Neither was the height measured. “Purvesh Sarnaik of dahi handi organiser Sanskruti Pratishthan said, “This is a proud moment for us and for India. Kokannagar was the first to achieve the record at our venue at 11.54 am but Jai Jawan built ten layers later elsewhere at 12.45 pm. Its earlier two attempts were not successful. Guinness demands strong evidence like slow motion videos from different angles, and we provided it. But Jai Jawan may send evidence and apply for the title too. It may at best emerge co-winner.”Jai Jawan believes there is a conspiracy to undermine its achievements. It was earlier “excluded” from Sarnaik’s Pro Govinda championship.
