Twenty-two Govindas were injured while forming human pyramids during Dahi Handi celebrations held in Mumbai and its suburbs on Saturday on the occasion of Janmashtami. According to civic officials, 21 of the injured were discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment, while one Govinda remains hospitalised.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 20 Govindas injured during Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai city were taken to various hospitals. All 20 were discharged after receiving treatment.
One Govinda was also injured in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs and was discharged after receiving medical treatment. Another Govinda injured in the western suburbs remained hospitalised and continued to receive treatment.
In total, 22 people were reported injured in Mumbai city and its suburbs on Saturday.
Dahi Handi is a part of Janmashtami celebrations in which teams of Govindas climb over one another to form multi-level human pyramids and attempt to break an earthen pot suspended at a height. The pot is usually filled with curd or other material.
Injuries can occur when human pyramids collapse or participants lose their balance and fall. Crowd conditions, slippery surfaces, height and sudden collapse of the pyramid can also contribute to injuries.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had made special medical arrangements for Govindas who might be injured during the Dahi Handi celebrations.
According to the civic body, more than 100 beds were reserved for treating injured Govindas at 16 civic hospitals operating in the suburbs, along with Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital in Sion, KEM Hospital in Parel and Nair Hospital in Mumbai Central.
The arrangements were made before the festival so that participants could receive immediate medical care in case of injuries while forming human pyramids.
Mumbai Police also strengthened security arrangements across the city in view of Dahi Handi and Janmashtami celebrations. Additional police personnel were deployed in sensitive areas.
Large numbers of people gathered at public places during the festival, with crowds comprising both Govinda groups forming human pyramids and spectators. Police were deployed to manage crowds and maintain traffic and public order.
Heavy security arrangements were made in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incident and maintain public order during the celebrations.
Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, was observed in Maharashtra and several other parts of the country. In Mumbai, Dahi Handi was among the prominent events associated with the festival.
Various Govinda mandals participated in forming human pyramids. At several locations, pots were suspended at heights and participants formed multi-level structures to reach and break them.
Dahi Handi is associated with the cultural identity of Maharashtra, in addition to being a religious tradition. Large numbers of local residents and spectators gathered in Mumbai and surrounding areas to watch the celebrations.
According to civic officials, most of the injured Govindas were discharged after receiving treatment. One injured Govinda remains hospitalised and is continuing to receive treatment.
Officials shared the number and status of the injured based on information received from hospitals. At present, 22 people have been reported injured.
No major loss of life has been reported in the incident.
The Dahi Handi event requires participants to form human pyramids several levels high, with the Govinda at the top attempting to break the suspended pot. The process requires balance and coordination among participants.
Police and the BMC had made advance arrangements for security and medical services in Mumbai this year. Reserving additional hospital beds and deploying police personnel in sensitive areas were intended to enable authorities to respond quickly to emergencies.
According to the BMC, 22 Govindas were injured, 21 were discharged after treatment and one remains under treatment at a hospital.
