Dahi Handi celebrations marking Janmashtami across Maharashtra turned tragic, resulting in two fatalities and leaving at least 130 'Govindas' injured. The incidents occurred in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane, casting a somber shadow over the traditional festivities.
Fatalities Reported
Among the deceased was a seven-year-old boy in Mumbai and a woman in Pune, both victims of separate, unfortunate accidents during the Dahi Handi events.
Mumbai Incident Claims Young Life
In Mumbai's Malvani area, seven-year-old Rudra Kadam died after a brick column collapsed on him during a Dahi Handi celebration organized by children at the Ekta Welfare Society. The incident happened around 3 pm when a rope holding the 'handi' (clay pot) was tied to a tree and a brick column. As children attempted to break the pot, the column gave way, burying Rudra under debris. He sustained critical head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Malvani General Hospital.
Pune Woman Dies in Structure Collapse
In Pune, Salma Salauddin Pathan, a resident of Old Sangavi in Pimpri Chinchwad, tragically lost her life when a temporary iron structure, supporting loudspeakers for a Dahi Handi event by Vighnaharta Mandal, collapsed. The accident occurred on Friday night as workers were dismantling the setup post-event. Pathan suffered a severe head injury and died at the hospital. Her family declined to file a complaint, leading to the registration of an accidental death report.
Widespread Injuries Among Govindas
The highly anticipated Dahi Handi celebrations, which involve participants forming multi-tier human pyramids to break suspended clay pots, also led to numerous injuries. A total of 118 Govindas were injured in Mumbai, with five admitted to hospitals, 80 receiving preliminary treatment, and 33 discharged. KEM Hospital reported 29 cases, Nair Hospital 17, and Rajawadi Hospital 13. An additional 12 Govindas were admitted to hospitals in neighboring Thane.
Leaders Urge Safety
In response to the incidents, state leaders emphasized safety during such celebrations. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while visiting Dahi Handi events in Worli, Dadar, and Ghatkopar, urged youngsters to avoid addiction and support the 'Drug-Free Maharashtra' campaign. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, speaking in Thane, stressed the importance of safety over record-breaking attempts, advising participants to prioritize their lives and teammates' well-being. He stated, “Break the pot, but protect life. Remember that your parents are waiting for you at home. Every Govinda must ensure their teammates do not get injured.”