Two persons were killed and at least 133 others were injured on Saturday, as mishaps marred the Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in Mumbai and neighbouring districts of Thane and Raigad.
One Arjun Khot (25), a “Govinda”, was killed when he collapsed from the fifth layer of “human pyramid” in Karsai village in Mhasla taluka in Raigad district, while another person identified as Vijay Darga drowned when he had gone for a swim in a river at Kasewadi village in Tala taluka of Raigad district, after the Janmashtrami revelry.
As many as 119 revellers were injured during “human pyramid” formations done as part of the “dahi-handi celebrations in various parts of Mumbai. Of them, 93 persons were discharged and allowed to go, while 26 others are undergoing treatment in various hospitals in the metropolis.
In the neighbouring Thane city, as many as 14 persons – including minors – were injured when the “Dahi-Handi” revelry.
The mishaps have over the years become a common feature during the Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, despite the height and age restrictions imposed by the Bombay High Court.
Last year, a 20-year-old boy was killed and at least 98 others were injured in “Dahi-handi”-related incidents, During 2017, two persons had been killed and at least 120 others injured in “Dahi-handi”-related incidents in the metropolis and neighbouring Thane and Palghar districts. In 2016, as many At least 128 people were injured in “Dahi-handi”-related incidents in Mumbai and neighbouring Thane city.
It may be4 recalled that in 2016, the Maharashtra government had declared “Dahi handi” as an “adventurous sport”. However, following a submission made by the State government in response to a public interest litigation before it, a HC division bench had accepted the state government’s submission that it would not permit the children below the age of 14 years to take part in the dahi handi celebrations. Despite the restrictions, it has been noticed that children below 14 years of age have been participating in the Dahi-handi events
The “human pyramids” were formed at many places including Goregaon, Borilivli, Dadar, Worli, Kala chowki, Jogeshwari, Ghatkopar, Mulind, neighbouring Thane city, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai and Palghar district.
Like every year, there was considerable fervour and verve among the revellers in the early part of the day. Slogans like “GovindaAla re... and” “Gvoinda re Gopala, Bol Bhajrang Bali ki jai, Go Go Govinda...” rent the air, as boisterous revellers-- better known as Govindas – climbed human pyramids to break the traditional “dahi-handis’.
These “dahi-handis” contain a mixture of milk, curd, dry fruits and prize money for Govindas break them. The ritual involving “dahi-handi” symbolises the manner in which young Krishna stole butter from an earthen pot suspended from the ceiling.
However, the dahi-handi revelry spirit dampened in some places especially where the organisers were linked to the ruling BJP, after the news of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley's death spread. In some places like Thane, the organisers suspended the events late in the afternoon.