Over 100 Govindas Injured in Mumbai's Dahi Handi Festivities

Over 100 Govindas, or young participants in the Dahi Handi celebrations, were injured in Mumbai on Tuesday. Officials reported that 15 of them were admitted to various hospitals. By 9 PM, a total of 106 Govindas had sustained injuries. Among these, 17 received treatment at OPDs, and 74 were discharged after treatment.

The Dahi Handi festival, part of the Janmashtami celebrations marking Lord Krishna's birth, saw enthusiastic participation across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. Govindas form multi-tiered human pyramids to break clay pots filled with curd suspended mid-air. This traditional event was celebrated with great fervour and joy.

Dahi Handi Celebrations and Injuries

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended a Dahi Handi event at Tembhi Naka in Thane city. He mentioned that his mentor Anand Dighe had revitalised the festival, enhancing traditions and community spirit. Shinde assured that the government was taking comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and success of these events.

In Thane city, eight Govindas were injured while forming human pyramids by 5 PM. Seven were treated and discharged from Kalwa Hospital, while one remained under treatment. Several prominent Govinda Pathaks attempted to form nine and ten-tier human pyramids at various locations in Mumbai.

Traffic Disruptions and Security Measures

The festivities led to traffic congestion in many parts of the city. Dahi Handis were hung at prominent intersections, and haphazardly parked vehicles belonging to Govinda groups added to the traffic woes. The BEST diverted or short-terminated 55 bus routes across Mumbai to manage the situation.

More than 11,000 police personnel were deployed for security and law and order during the celebrations. The presence of celebrities and entertainment programmes at Dahi Handis sponsored by politicians attracted large crowds in Mumbai and neighbouring areas.

Political Involvement and Social Messages

Several politicians sponsored Dahi Handis, offering rewards running into lakhs of rupees to attract Govinda Pathaks. Prominent sponsors included BJP MLA Ram Kadam in Ghatkopar, Shiv Sena MLAs Prakash Surve in Magathane, and BJP leader Santosh Pande in Parel. In Thane, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hosted an event at Tembhi Naka.

In response to recent cases of sexual assault reported in Maharashtra, several Govinda groups displayed social messages on banners and posters while breaking Dahi Handis in Mumbai, Thane, and other places. All-women Govinda groups also participated in breaking Dahi Handis.

Cultural Performances and Festive Spirit

During a BJP leader's event at Jamboree Maidan in Worli, a team of Govindas depicted the assassination of Afzal Khan by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through a four-tier pyramid. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya attempted to break a Dahi Handi by climbing a four-tier pyramid at Ghatkopar in the eastern suburbs.

The beating of traditional drums and popular Bollywood songs kept the festive spirit high throughout Mumbai. This was particularly evident in Marathi-dominated areas like Parel, Lalbaug, Worli, Dadar, Bhandup, Mulund, Goregaon, and Andheri.

Among the 15 admitted Govindas, five were taken to KEM Hospital, three to Rajawadi Hospital, two to Saint Georges Hospital, and one each to Trauma Care, MT Agrawal, Leelavati, Nair, and Kurla Bhabha hospitals. By 6 PM, 63 Govindas had been treated for injuries at various civic, government, and private hospitals.

The festival's vibrant atmosphere was marked by traditional fervour as well as modern elements like celebrity appearances and entertainment programmes. The combination of cultural heritage and contemporary celebrations made this year's Dahi Handi a memorable event for many participants and spectators alike.