Vasai | September 5, 2026
Vasai-Virar is set to host Dahihandi celebrations at 825 locations on Saturday, with the municipal health department, police and traffic authorities preparing measures for injuries, crowd management, traffic control and noise regulation, according to a report by Loksatta.
The celebrations will include 145 public and 679 private Dahihandi events across the city. Organisers have installed or are preparing decorated handi structures at prominent junctions, traffic nodes and busy areas, with electrical lighting, cultural programmes and music planned at several venues.
The event is expected to draw Govinda teams from Vasai-Virar as well as Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Palghar. Large cash prizes are being offered at several celebrations, including events organised by local political parties. The report names the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, BJP, Shiv Sena factions, NCP, Congress and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena among the parties associated with events carrying substantial prizes.
The concentration of celebrations at public and private venues has prompted preparations by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation’s medical and health department. Govindas can suffer injuries while forming human pyramids, and municipal primary health centres and hospitals have been made available for treatment, the report said.
Municipal chief medical officer Dr Bhakti Chaudhary said private hospitals had also been instructed to admit injured Govindas for treatment during emergencies. The report did not specify the number of beds, ambulances or medical teams assigned to the celebrations.
The Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate has arranged security deployment for the festival. Police said they would monitor disputes, incidents of harassment, obscene comments directed at women and the throwing of coloured water at pedestrians. Action will be taken against violations, according to the report.
Traffic police will also be deployed to manage vehicle movement and reduce congestion around celebration sites. Authorities have warned organisers and participants to follow noise-pollution rules, with enforcement action possible for violations.
This year’s Gopal Kala falls on Saturday, followed by a weekly holiday on Sunday, a timing expected to increase participation by residents and Govinda teams. Cultural programmes, Lavani performances and appearances by film and dance artists are also planned at various locations.
Police and civic authorities are expected to continue traffic, safety, medical and noise-control arrangements through Saturday’s celebrations.
