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Dahi Handi is part of the Janmashtami festival commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna and is attended with enthusiasm by revelers. (Press Trust photo)
As part of the celebrations, Govindas or Dahi Handi participants form multi-tiered human pyramids and break “Dahi Handis” (earthen pots filled with curds) suspended in mid-air
At least 41 “Govindas” – young men involved in building multi-tiered human pyramids as part of 'Dahi Handi' celebrations – were injured in Mumbai on Tuesday, officials said.
The injured Govindas were admitted to hospitals run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and private hospitals in the city for treatment, a municipal official said.
Dahi Handi is part of the Janmashtami festival commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna and is attended with enthusiasm by revelers. The festival is celebrated with traditional fervor and joy in Mumbai and other parts of the state.
As part of the celebrations, Govindas or Dahi Handi participants form multi-tiered human pyramids and break “Dahi Handis” (earthen pots filled with curds) suspended in mid-air.
Municipal officials said that as of 3 p.m., 41 Govindas had been injured while trying to build human pyramids in parts of the city.
Of these injured Govindas, eight have been admitted to various hospitals, 26 are undergoing treatment at the OPD and seven have been discharged after treatment.
The official said that of the eight patients admitted to Govinda, three are at Rajawadi Hospital and one each at KEM Hospital, St George's Hospital, MT Hospital and Kurla Bhabha Hospital.
Mumbai city and its suburbs have been witnessing intermittent light to moderate showers since morning.
Several prominent “Govinda Pathaks” (groups) attempted to build a nine-story human pyramid at several locations in the city.
In the wake of sexual assault cases in Maharashtra and elsewhere, some Govinda groups have also displayed social messages through banners and posters while vandalizing dahi handis in Mumbai, Thane and other places.
Several all-female Govinda groups were also seen trying to break Darhi Handi by building human pyramids.
The festival also causes traffic jams in many areas of the city as dahi handis are hung at major intersections and junctions. Haphazardly parked two-wheelers and other vehicles belonging to Govinda's group added to the predicament.
(This report has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)
