Mumbai: Mumbai came alive with the vibrant and traditional celebration of Janmashtami, a festival honoring the birth of Lord Shri Krishna. The city’s enthusiasm peaked during the Dahi Handi festivities, a time-honored tradition where participants, known as Govindas, form towering human pyramids to break a pot of curd hanging high above the ground. This year, the festival was marked by a mix of jubilation and concern, as over 200 Govindas sustained injuries in their efforts to uphold the cherished tradition.
By 9 PM on Tuesday, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official reported that 206 Govindas had been injured during the event. Of these, 15 were admitted to various hospitals for more severe injuries, while 17 received treatment in outpatient departments. The majority of the injured, 74 in total, were treated and discharged after receiving care.
The Dahi Handi festival, known for its high-energy atmosphere and community participation, saw thousands of people take to the streets in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. The event was particularly notable at Tembhi Naka in Thane, where Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde joined the celebrations. Shinde highlighted the cultural significance of the festival, recalling how his mentor, Anand Dighe, revived the tradition, thereby strengthening the community spirit and preserving age-old customs.
Shinde also emphasized his administration’s role in facilitating the celebrations, noting the removal of restrictions imposed during the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) rule. He reassured the public that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and success of the Dahi Handi events, implementing comprehensive measures to protect the participants.
As the festival unfolded across the city, several prominent Govinda groups attempted to form nine and ten-level human pyramids, a feat that requires not only physical strength but also precise coordination and teamwork. In light of recent sexual harassment cases in Maharashtra, some Govinda groups used the platform to promote social messages, displaying banners and posters advocating for safety and respect for women. Women Govinda groups were also a prominent feature of this year’s celebrations, breaking barriers by forming their pyramids to reach the Dahi Handi.
The festivities brought not only joy but also logistical challenges, as traffic jams plagued several areas of the city due to the large crowds and numerous Dahi Handis hung at major intersections. Many of these Dahi Handis were sponsored by local politicians, drawing even larger crowds with the presence of celebrities and entertainment programs, further adding to the festival’s grandeur.
As the city recovers from the excitement of Janmashtami, the focus now shifts to ensuring the well-being of the injured Govindas and reflecting on the festival’s dual nature of joy and risk. The enduring spirit of Mumbai’s Dahi Handi celebrations remains a testament to the city’s resilience and commitment to tradition.
