SC’s curbs fail to dampen ‘dahi handi’ spirit

Mumbai, Aug 25 (PTI) Thousands of youth clad in colourfulrobes joined the ‘Dahi Handi’ celebrations across Maharashtrato mark Krishna Janmashtami today, with some of the ‘mandals’allegedly flouting the 20-feet ceiling for human pyramidsmandated by the Supreme Court. A sporting tradition that blends devotion with fun,frolic and adventure, ‘dahi handi’ recaptures the fondness ofKrishna as a child for butter with scores of youth joiningshoulder-to-shoulder to build a human pyramid, through whichthe aspiring winner scales to hit the curd-filled earthen potstrung over head. The apex court had yesterday made it clear that no humanpyramid could cross 20 feet in height, concerned overcasualties and injuries suffered by ‘Govindas’, asparticipants are known, in previous years. Cases had been registered against 16 Govinda mandals inThane, adjoining Mumbai for allegedly flouting courtguidelines, a senior police official said. A Thane report said a "Dahi Handi" was allegedly strungup at 49 feet, more than double the height allowed by theSupreme Court, whose organiser was said to be associated withRaj Thackeray-led MNS. MNS along with Shiv Sena has expressedreservations over the court order. Barring minor injuries to 15 participants, no untowardincident had been reported in Mumbai till evening, where noviolation of the apex court norm had been reported, policesaid. At Dadar in Mumbai, some Dahi Handi mandal members lay onthe ground and created a ‘sleeping pyramid’ exceeding the20-feet norm. While another mandal used a ladder to break thepot and also displayed a black flag, apparently to protestagainst the SC ruling on the festival. With over 3,300 mandals (orgasming units) arranging ‘dahihandi’ events across Mumbai and adjoining areas, policevideo-recorded the competitions to ascertain if there had beenviolation of the Supreme Court order. Police had already issued notices to organisers informingthem of the court order and that they would record every humanpyramid. Police said they would go through the video footages and,if any violation of norms is found, action will be takenagainst the organisers. (MORE) PTI AVI VT DK NMSRY