Mumbai
oi-Swastika Sruti
Dahi Handi is an auspicious game played on the occasion of Dahi Handi marking the birth of Lord Krishna. But this game turned tragic in two separate accidents in Mumbai and Pune after a seven yer old boy and a woman lost their lives.
Dahi Handi celebrations marking Lord Krishna’s birth tragically resulted in two deaths, a 7-year-old boy in Malad, Mumbai and a woman in Pune, alongside dozens of injuries to participants in Mumbai and Thane.
In Mumbai alone, at least 32 Govindas were injured, while another 10 participants were injured in neighbouring Thane.
7-Year-Old Boy Dies in Malad Dahi Handi Accident
A boy of seven years lost his life when a brick pillar fell on him while he was celebrating Dahi Handi at Malad, Mumbai on Saturday afternoon.
As per information provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Ward Control Room, the accident occurred at around 3:01 pm at Ekta Welfare Society located in Chikuwadi, Malvani, near Marve Road, Malad West.
Initial reports reveal that the Dahi Handi function was organized by some children themselves.
Brick Column Collapses While Children Try to Break Handi
According to the BMC, the rope with which the Dahi Handi was hung was attached to a tree as well as to a brick pillar of a building on the ground floor.
While breaking the handi, the brick pillar collapsed as per reports.
The structure fell upon the young boy, resulting in severe head injuries.
The injured child was rushed to the Malvani General Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Woman Crushed by Iron Structure in Pune
A separate tragedy was reported in Pune, where a woman was killed after a temporary iron structure collapsed on her during a Dahi Handi event.
The deceased was identified as Salma Salauddin Pathan, a resident of Old Sangavi in Pimpri Chinchwad.
According to police, the incident occurred on Friday night after a Dahi Handi event organised by the Vighnaharta Mandal had concluded.
Heavy Iron Frame Falls During Dismantling
As per reports, the people who were dismantling a temporary metal framework that had been put up to support loudspeakers have caused Pathan’s death.
While dismantling the temporary metal framework, a heavy part fell on Pathan, leading to a serious head injury, and she died in hospital.
It has been reported that the son of Pathan was an office-bearer in the organising committee. As per police reports, the family members of Pathan did not wish to lodge any complaint against the organisers and requested not to register any case.
Dozens of Govindas Injured in Mumbai and Thane
The two deaths came alongside several injuries during Dahi Handi celebrations across Maharashtra. At least 32 Govindas were injured in Mumbai, while 10 others were injured in Thane while participating in the formation of human pyramids.
The Govindas form multiple levels of human pyramids to reach and break the suspended earthen pot, making safety precautions especially important during the celebrations.
Eknath Shinde Calls for Safety Over Records
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stressed the importance of safety during Dahi Handi celebrations. Speaking at a major celebration at Tembhi Naka in Thane, Shinde urged Govindas not to put their lives at risk in an attempt to create record-breaking human pyramids.
He reminded participants that their families were waiting for them at home and called for discipline and cooperation among team members.
His message was simple: the Dahi Handi pot can be broken, but human life must be protected first.
