Mumbai’s Dahi Handi Turns Tragic With Fatal Fall

Heavy rains failed to dampen the vibrant spirit of Dahi Handi celebrations across the Mumbai metropolitan region on Saturday, as troupes of ‘govindas’ formed breathtaking human pyramids to break curd-filled pots suspended high above the ground. However, the festive fervor was marred by tragedy, with one govinda dead and 75 others injured, including two in critical condition, during the high-energy events marking Krishna Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna.

In suburban Mankhurd, Jagmohan Shivkiran Chaudhari (32) tragically lost his life after falling from the first floor while tying a Dahi Handi. Across Mumbai, 32 govindas were hospitalized by evening, with injuries sustained during daring pyramid formations. Among the critically injured are nine-year-old Aryan Yadav, receiving treatment at a civic-run hospital in Kandivali, and Shreyas Chalke (23), under care at the government-run GT Hospital. The island city reported 48 injuries, while 17 occurred in the eastern suburbs and 10 in the western parts. Neighboring Thane city recorded three additional injuries.

Despite torrential rainfall, with Vikhroli recording 248.5 mm, Santacruz 232.5 mm, Sion 221 mm, and Juhu 208 mm between Friday morning and Saturday dawn, the enthusiasm of Mumbai’s govindas remained undeterred. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who attended multiple events, praised their spirit, noting, “Rains have not dampened the enthusiasm of the city’s govindas.” He also took a swipe at the Shiv Sena (UBT), which controlled the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from 1997 to 2022, saying, “We have broken the ‘handi’ of sins of those who looted the civic body and started the ‘handi’ of development,” hinting at the ruling alliance’s confidence ahead of upcoming local body polls.

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The festival, a major cultural event in Maharashtra, saw political parties leveraging the occasion to woo youth voters, offering substantial cash prizes to govinda troupes. In Thane, the Konkan Nagar Raja Govinda Team achieved a reported “world record” by forming a 10-layer human pyramid, surpassing their previous nine-layer record. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, whose son Purvesh organized the event, awarded the team Rs 25 lakh for their feat. In Ghatkopar, BJP MLA Ram Kadam dedicated his Dahi Handi event to security forces involved in Operation Sindoor, stating, “Our jawans broke Pakistan’s pot of sins, and we honor their bravery.”

Since 2022, the Mahayuti government has recognized Dahi Handi as an adventure sport, providing insurance coverage for participants, acknowledging the physical risks involved. The festival’s competitive nature, with troupes of young men and women vying to break the suspended pots, draws massive crowds and underscores Mumbai’s cultural vibrancy. However, this year’s celebrations highlighted the inherent dangers, with civic officials urging greater safety measures for future events.

As Mumbai recovers from the heavy rainfall and reflects on the tragic incidents, the Dahi Handi festivities remain a testament to the city’s resilience and devotion to tradition. Authorities are now reviewing safety protocols to prevent future accidents, while the community mourns the loss of one of its own and prays for the recovery of the injured.

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