Twitter
Advertisement

A colourful Dahi Handi amid violation of safety norms across Mumbai

The festival, which is celebrated by thousands of people and sees govindas forming pyramids from six to nine tiers, saw little or no police intervention in a lot of areas.

Latest News
article-main
(1,2, 3, ) Govindas fall while forming a human pyramid to break the Dahi Handi in Borivali on Monday; (4) Dahi Handi celebrations in Chembur; (5) A visually impaired boy dressed as Lord Krishna during the Dahi Handi celebration in Dadar on Monday
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Over 80 were injured and one died on Monday during the Dahi Handi celebrations across the city, many of which violated the safety norms. Many govindas were without helmets while forming human pyramids and many Handis had no safety harness or cushion on the ground for the safety of the govindas.

The festival, which is celebrated by thousands of people and sees govindas forming pyramids from six to nine tiers, saw little or no police intervention in a lot of areas. The violations said Swati Patil — the petitioner whose public interest litigation had lead to various mandatory safety measures and age limit for govindas — was in direct contempt of court.

"The state government in an affidavit to the court had said that organisers, in particular, will have to take several measures. These included helmets to govindas, chest guard, safety belt, safety harness for the one going to the top and cushions, among others. I have already filed complaints at Chembur, Shivaji Park, and Thane police stations against political parties and even chief minister because places he went, there were violations there too," said Patil.

At Dadar, many pathaks were seen making human pyramids without wearing the helmet. "A number of them are over 14 years of age climbing six tiers of pyramids. We make sure that we announce now that they have to wear the helmet," Prakash Patankar, corporator from Shiv Sena, who was organising the event.

"I will be filing contempt petition too. Organisers did nothing when rules were being violated. They have not even taken any proof of people who had come to participate to check their age or even. None of that was happening and police too were not present to take any action," said Patil.

Overall, the festival was celebrated with as much fervor as last year. Families rejoiced the gatherings while amateur photographers made the most of govindas, who made the festival a colorful affair.

"Since Lord Krishna used to steal, I am dressed like a pirate who, too, is into stealing," said Rajendra Shegde, member of the Mahesh Krida Mandal, who had worn pirate caps on his head.

"My son wanted to see how they form the pyramids and that is why we got him. We are looking to going to a few more places before going home," said Ishwari Mohite, who had come with her six-year-old son, Ranveer. "He liked the fact that they could go so tall."

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement