238 ‘Govindas’ injured during Janmashtami Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai
At least 238 persons were injured during the Dahi Handi festivities on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami in Mumbai, an increase over earlier reports of 206 injured participants, popularly known as “Govindas”, based on data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and several private hospitals on Wednesday.
The injured Govindas are currently undergoing treatment at outpatient departments (OPDs) of various private hospitals in the city. On Wednesday, 157 people were discharged after receiving medical attention.
Other media reports indicate that as many as 245 were injured during the festivities of forming the human pyramids, which are an important part of the Dahi Handi event. Of them, 32 were admitted to hospitals while 213 have been discharged.
Reportedly, over 11,000 security personnel were present in Mumbai on Monday to maintain law and order during the festival.
Dahi Handi Celebrations in Maharashtra
Dahi Handi, a central feature of Janmashtami celebrations, involves filling an earthen pot, or “matka,” with curd, butter, and other dairy products. Groups of Govindas form human pyramids to reach and break the pot, symbolizing the playful and mischievous nature of Lord Krishna, who was known for his love of butter and curd. The tradition commemorates Krishna’s childhood act of stealing and eating dahi, which was kept out of reach in a pot.
Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, is celebrated with prayers, dance, musical performances and the Dahi Handi competition. According to the Hindu calendar, Krishna was born on the eighth day of the month of Bhadra, which usually falls in August or September. This year it fell on August 26.
Dahi Handi is an important cultural event in Maharashtra. Last year, 195 Govindas were injured in various incidents. The BMC reported that 18 of these individuals were admitted to hospitals, while the remaining 177 were treated and subsequently discharged.
Age and Height Restrictions for Dahi Handi Events
In a bid to improve safety during the festival, the Bombay High Court in 2017 upheld the Maharashtra government’s decision to ban children under the age of 14 from participating in Dahi Handi events. The ruling was also in line with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, under which Dahi Handi was classified as an “adventure sport” by the state government in August 2016.
While the court declined to impose restrictions on the height of the human pyramids formed during the festival, it stressed that regulating such aspects falls within the jurisdiction of the state legislature. The 2017 decision followed concerns raised in two petitions about the safety of minors attending the event and the lack of adequate security measures, which had led to numerous injuries in previous years.
In 2014, the Bombay High Court had passed an order banning children under 18 from participating in the festival and had imposed a height restriction of 20 feet on the pyramids. However, the state government challenged this ruling and in August 2017, the Supreme Court referred the matter back to the High Court for further consideration.
While the Dahi Handi celebrations continue to draw large crowds and enthusiastic participants, concerns over the safety and well-being of the Govindas remain a major issue, especially in light of the increasing number of injuries.
(With input from the agency)
First publication: Aug 28, 2024 | 12:27 PM IST