This is an archive article published on September 7, 2023
Rain fails to dampen spirits as Govindas take to streets for Dahi Handi
Several political parties organise Dahi Handis in a show of strength, with many offering cash prizes to the Govinda Pathak (team) that manages to break the earthen vessel. During the course of the celebrations, several participants injure themselves in their attempt to build pyramids and reach the pots.
Written by Nayonika Bose
Mumbai | Updated: September 8, 2023 03:34 AM IST
3 min read
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Amongst the many Dahi Handis organised in the city, some of the largest celebrations were carried out at Dadar, Worli’s Jambori maidan, Ghatkopar and Borivali’s Magathane. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
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Rain fails to dampen spirits as Govindas take to streets for Dahi Handi
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Amid heavy rain lashing the city, Dahi Handi was celebrated with pomp on the occasion of Janmashtami on Thursday with crowds gathering in huge numbers across various locations of Mumbai and Thane.
Data furnished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) showed that until Thursday night at 9.00 pm, 107 Govindas were injured while participating in human pyramids during Dahi Handi festivities. Of the 107, 14 have been admitted at civic hospitals, 62 have been discharged and 31 are undergoing treatment in the OPD.
As part of the festivities in Mumbai, troops of Govindas form multi-tiered human pyramids to break the dahi handi, a pot filled with dairy products. Several political parties organise Dahi Handis in a show of strength, with many offering cash prizes to the Govinda Pathak (team) that manages to break the earthen vessel. During the course of the celebrations, several participants injure themselves in their attempt to build pyramids and reach the pots.
Amongst the many Dahi Handis organised in the city, some of the largest celebrations were carried out at Dadar, Worli’s Jambori maidan, Ghatkopar and Borivali’s Magathane. Owing to the celebrations, several BEST bus routes were diverted to alternate routes.
Meanwhile, several large scale Dahi Handi festivities were organised at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s bastion in Thane including the Dighe saheb chi Dahi Handi at Tembhi Naka, Manseche Dahi Handi as well as Sanskruti Pratishthan Dahi Handi.
Rains refused to dampen the spirits of Mumbaikars as groups celebrate #dahihandifestival all over the city.
On Thursday afternoon, Shinde arrived at the Dighe saheb chi Dahi Handi where he urged the Govindas to undertake the pyramid formations carefully.
“My request to all the Govindas is to be careful while forming the tiers of the pyramid. Each of your lives is precious to us. This year, the government has introduced the ‘Pro Govinda’ competition. Alongside this, we have also announced a holiday for Govinda festivities. Furthermore, we have also ensured an insurance of Rs 10 lakh for each of the Govindas”, Shinde told the gathering at Tembhi Naka, before heading to several other Dahi Handis across the city.
In a bulletin issued on Wednesday, Mumbai’s civic body had said that 125 beds have been kept ready across several civic-run hospitals of the city in a bid to treat the injuries of the Govindas. In order to aid the treatment, the BMC deployed medical officers in three shifts and issued instructions to keep medicines, injections as well as surgical materials prepared.
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Even as 107 injuries were reported until Thursday night, BMC stated that no untoward incident occurred during the course of celebrations.
Nayonika Bose is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau. While in the early stages of her career, her focused reporting on local governance and community welfare already demonstrates clear Expertise and Trustworthiness in covering essential civic issues impacting Mumbai's residents.
Expertise & Authority (E-E-A-T)
Specialized Focus: Nayonika's reporting is dedicated to civic and community issues, providing readers with highly relevant, ground-level information about the functionality and administration of India's largest metropolitan area.
Core Coverage Areas: Her articles highlight a strong focus on the fundamental quality of life and public safety in Mumbai, including:
Civic Infrastructure: Reports on critical failures and initiatives related to public works, such as the recurring problem of unauthorized building collapses in Navi Mumbai, the construction of new infrastructure projects (like the Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road and the Mahalaxmi cable-stayed bridge), and the maintenance of essential city services (e.g., manhole cover theft).
Urban Governance & Crisis Management: Provides detailed coverage of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) response to major crises, particularly during the monsoon (e.g., heavy rainfall, water cuts, and public health concerns like dengue and malaria) and large-scale public safety incidents (e.g., the hoarding collapse fallout).
Community Welfare & Rights: Reports on key social issues, including the financial aid scheme for persons with disabilities, the struggles of Mumbai's hawkers protesting eviction drives, and the dangers faced by workers due to the continuation of manual scavenging in water tanks.
Cultural & Heritage Reporting: Covers significant community stories, including the restoration of British-era fountains and the history of institutions like the 126-year-old Chinchpokli cemetery, showing a breadth of interest beyond pure administration.
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