Dahi handi fervour grips Maharashtra, injuries refuse to deter govindas

The Bombay High Court had lifted height restriction for the Dahi handi competitions ahead of Janmashtami

Two persons died during Dahi handi celebrations in Maharashtra on Tuesday. One person is said to have died during Dahi handi celebrations in Dhansar of Palghar in Maharashtra.

A man who was part of a human pyramid formation is said to have fallen off after he developed seizures. Reports suggested that the man succumbed soon after.

Another man was electrocuted to death during Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai's Airoli area.

In other parts of Maharashtra, however, rains, injuries, startling heights of Dahi handi refused to deter Govinda troupes as celebrations gripped the state on Tuesday. Dahi Handi celebrations began in different parts of Maharashtra with young men and women forming 'Govinda troupes' to compete. In Mumbai, many celebrities including Madhur Bhandarkar and Arjun Rampal visited Dahi handi venues.

The troupes from Maharashtra and neighbouring Goa form human pyramids and attempt to break clay pitchers suspended from great heights. Dahi Handi competitions offer hefty prize money to winners and hundreds gather to watch the spectacle. In Thane, the MNS organised Dahi Handi competition where Govindas formed a nine-tier-human pyramids to reach the hanging pot and win the competition.

Massive crowd at Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra's Thane on the occasion of #Janamashtami pic.twitter.com/NNS3Sl1Q8p

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2017

Despite heavy rains in parts of Mumbai, the celebrations went on with troupes braving the rain to compete. At Bhagwati ground, an MNS Dahi handi was tied at a height of 40-feet. Women Govinda troupes were also seen participating in the competition in multiple locations.

At least 20 people who were taking part in competitions sustained injuries due to fall in Mumbai alone. Two participants who fell off the human pyramid in Mumbai are said to have sustained fractures. Doctors in hospitals and health care centres expect people with head injuries, limb fractures every year when Dahi handi is celebrated.

Today being Independence day, many added patriotic colours to Dahi Handi celebrations by sporting tricolour clothes and accessories. In a bid to allow Dahi handi celebrations with minimal restrictions, the Maharashtra government notified it as an adventure sport.

According to the government's submission to the Bombay High court, no participants below the age of 14 years will be allowed to take part. While removing the restriction on the height of the Dahi Handi, the court set the minimum age limit of participants at 14 years.

OneIndia News