Kids among members, Spanish Dahi Handi team says unaware of SC order

Unaware of the recent Supreme Court ruling baring children under the age of 12 from participating in human pyramids on Janmashtami, children as young as six were seen participating in the practice sessions held in Thane on Sunday.

“Only two of the 200 participants from our group understand English and we are  unaware of any court ruling on the participation of children under the age of 12. I am shocked to know about this,” said Jordi de Sants, second coach of the Capgrossos de Mataro.

He added, “We have neither been told about the earlier deaths of the children while practising.”

Medical education minister Jitendra Awhad, who is hosting the Spanish contingent, however, said the visitors were informed about the ruling.
“The children below the age group of 12 (in the Spanish group) can participate as they have permission from UNESCO. The participants are not Indian, it is a group from abroad. Their children in any age group can participate,” said Awhad.

“Our members are in the age-group of six years to 80 years. Our group participants have life insurances and we also have travel insurance. So in case of any mishap, the lives of those involved in the formation of the human pyramid will be secured. We take all the safety measures and precautions. The children aged between six and  eight are not forced to climb. The children are guarded with helmets and have padding on their knees. It involves minimum risk. We train them through the year, it (human pyramids) is one of the important activities in our schools and universities,” the second coach said.

One of the representatives of the organisation Sangarsh said nearly Rs 60 lakh have been spent on the Spanish participants by the organiser.

This is the eighth consecutive year that a Spanish group will participate in Dahi Handi festivities in the city. In the contingent that arrived in Mumbai this year, 150 of the total 200 will take part in the festivities on Monday. The contingent includes 100 women and 100 men, both groups inclusive of a total of 30 children under 18.

santoshee.mishra@expressindia.com