15 Govindas Injured in Janmashtami 2024 Dahi Handi Festivities in Mumbai, Shifted to City Hospitals
The Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai took a tragic turn this year as at least 15 Govindas were injured during the festivities. The participants, known as Govindas, were taking part in the traditional Dahi Handi celebrations as part of the Krishna Janmashtami 2024 festivities. The injured individuals were later shifted to various city hospitals for treatment, including St. George, KEM, Sion, Nair, Rajawadi, and more, according to officials.
Dahi Handi is a popular festival celebrated in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. During the festival, Govindas form multi-tiered human pyramids to break earthen pots filled with curd, known as dahi handis, that are suspended in the air. This tradition symbolizes Lord Krishna’s love for curd and butter as a child, and devotees re-enact his childhood days through the Dahi Handi celebrations.
The Dahi Handis, decorated with flowers, are hoisted at various heights above the ground in different locations across the city, including housing societies, roads, junctions, and public grounds. Govindas, dressed in colorful attire, travel through the city in trucks, tempos, buses, and two-wheelers to participate in breaking the dahi handis.
As a result of the festivities, a total of 15 Govindas were reported injured and were rushed to different city hospitals for medical treatment. The injured individuals were admitted to hospitals such as St. George Hospital, Poddar Hospital, KEM Hospital, Nair Hospital, Sion Hospital, Rajawadi Hospital, MT Agrawal Hospital, and Kurla Bhabha Hospital. Medical teams at these hospitals are providing necessary care to the injured Govindas in the outpatient departments (OPDs).
In response to the incident, the Mumbai Police have increased security measures in the city to ensure the safety of the public during the festive celebrations. More than 11,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order and oversee the security arrangements for the Dahi Handi festivities. Police officials, including deputy police commissioners, additional police commissioners, constabulary, and inspector-level officials, are actively monitoring the situation to prevent any untoward incidents.
The safety and well-being of the participants and spectators are of utmost importance during such cultural celebrations, and efforts are being made to provide the necessary medical attention to those affected by the Dahi Handi festivities. The tradition of Dahi Handi holds significant cultural and religious value for the people of Maharashtra, and it is essential to ensure that the festivities are conducted in a safe and secure manner for everyone involved.
As the city of Mumbai continues to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami through various traditional rituals and customs, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and health of all participants. The Dahi Handi festivities, although joyous and festive, must be carried out with caution and care to prevent any unfortunate incidents like the injuries sustained by the Govindas this year. Let us all come together to celebrate the spirit of Lord Krishna’s birth in a peaceful and safe manner, honoring the traditions and customs that bring us closer as a community.