Thane Dahi Handi celebrations will be held at 254 public venues across the Thane Police Commissionerate area this year, with police planning additional deployment, patrols and surveillance at crowded locations, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane.
The commissionerate jurisdiction extends from Thane to Badlapur and includes Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Mumbra, Kalwa and Diva. Of the 254 public celebrations planned across the area, 104 will be held in Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra and Diva, the report said.
The police plan is being prepared in anticipation of large crowds at major Dahi Handi venues, intersections and other prominent locations. Senior police officers have instructed officials at the relevant police stations to organise security arrangements for the festival.
Additional police personnel are expected to be deployed at crowded spots, major junctions and event venues. Police patrols and monitoring will also be increased during the celebrations to prevent untoward incidents, according to the report.
Plainclothes personnel will be stationed at different locations to help prevent theft and other crimes during the festivities. The arrangements are being planned as large numbers of residents and Govinda groups are expected to gather at venues across the commissionerate area.
Thane’s Dahi Handi celebrations traditionally attract Govinda groups from several districts, including Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban, Palghar, Raigad and Pune. Groups compete to break suspended pots by forming high human pyramids, while organisers at some major venues offer prizes worth lakhs of rupees. The events also draw artists and large public audiences.
The 254 planned celebrations are distributed across five police divisions. Division One, covering old Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra and Diva, accounts for 56 events. Division Two, covering Bhiwandi, has 43. Division Three, covering Dombivli and Kalyan, has 56, while Division Four, covering Ulhasnagar, Ambernath and Badlapur, has 51. Division Five, covering Wagle Estate, Vartak Nagar, Ghodbunder and Balkum in Thane city, has 48.
Several prominent celebrations are scheduled in Thane city, including events at Tembhi Naka, Jambli Naka, Raheja Park, Vartak Nagar and Naupada. These are being organised by local mandals, charitable trusts, social organisations and political groups, the report said.
Police deployment and patrols will be increased during the festival at the identified venues and other locations where crowds are expected, forming the main security measures announced for this year’s celebrations.
