Dahi handi body to defy government's order of child ban

It seems to be a tussle between the govt and Dahihandi Utsav Samanvay Samiti (DUSS), a body of the dahi handi mandals across the city. DUSS is now up in arms against the decision of banning the participation of children below 12 years of age, in the festival. Police has threatened legal action, should their order be disobeyed.

Recently, Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) decided to ban children younger than 12 years, from participating in the dahi handi fest.

After this order was passed, there was a debate among the dahi handi mandals, with DUSS conducting a meeting and unanimously deciding to oppose the decision. While they resolved to allow participants under 12 years of age, they barred those under 5 years from taking part in the fest.

Geeta Zagde, general secretary (women wing) DUSS, who also coaches Parle Sports Club, a mandal of women participants in the festival, said, "This is a one-sided decision. The commission never took us in confidence while finalising this decision. We have been practicing since two months and during training, we are equipped with safety gear."

Children are the last to climb the human pyramid, as they weigh less. Over the years, organizers offer highly-valued prizes and have raised the height of the pots, increasing the risk for all participants.

MSCPCR had passed the order after Pawan Pathak, a resident of Saki Naka, complained that the lives of many kids were endangered by Govinda groups and lured by the big money promised by political parties that organised the festivities.