Thane, Sep 5 (PTI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasised the need for safety over record-breaking human pyramids during Dahi Handi, which was celebrated with traditional fervour across the state on Saturday.
The festival involves groups, comprising members called ‘govindas’, forming human pyramids to break pots filled with butter etc in an effort to replicate the fun and frolic of Lord Krishna.
Speaking at the massive celebrations at Tembhi Naka here, Shinde reminded participants that their safety matters most to loved ones waiting at home and urged them to practice discipline and mutual care while celebrating the festival.
“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,” he said while describing Thane as the “Pandharpur of Govindas”.
Dahi Handi celebrations claimed the lives of two persons in Maharashtra as a seven-year-old boy died after a brick column collapsed on him in Mumbai, while a woman was crushed to death under an iron frame in Pune, officials said on Saturday.
Besides, at least 32 ‘Govindas’ were injured in Mumbai and 10 others in Thane during the formation of human pyramids as part of the celebrations.
Dahi Handi represents ultimate teamwork, from the foundational base layers to the topmost participant, Shinde pointed out.
Shinde said the Mahayuti government had taken steps like granting adventure sport status to Dahi Handi, declaring a public holiday, providing government-backed insurance coverage for participants, and launching ‘Pro Govinda’ to give the traditional sport national recognition.
Incidentally, during the event at Tembhi Naka, Mahesh Kadam, the Thane City organizer of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) joined the Shinde faction. PTI COR BNM
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