Traffic disruptions were reported across Thane on Saturday as 254 public Dahi Handi events, road closures and the movement of Govinda teams placed additional pressure on major city routes. The celebrations also drew attention to reported violations of the condition requiring the participant on the top tier of a human pyramid to be at least 14 years old.
Dahi Handi celebrations were held across Thane and other cities in the district, with Govinda teams forming human pyramids of up to nine tiers. According to a report by Loksatta, road-based celebrations, traffic diversions and vehicles belonging to Govinda teams contributed to congestion at several locations.
The Thane police commissionerate area hosted 254 public Dahi Handi events this year. Organised by local groups, social organisations and political parties, the events offered cash prizes running into lakhs of rupees. Govinda teams from Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar travelled to the district, with groups visible on major roads and junctions from the morning.
Traffic restrictions were imposed around event locations, and vehicles were diverted to alternative routes. The report identified Tembhi Naka, Raheja, Ghodbunder Road, Kasarvadavali, Pokhran and Castle Mill Naka among the areas affected by road closures and diversions. The additional traffic load on alternative routes contributed to congestion, while vehicles belonging to Govinda teams parked along roadsides further reduced available road space.
The celebrations involved competition to build taller human pyramids, with several teams from Thane and Mumbai forming nine-tier structures. Cash prizes were announced not only for teams that broke the Dahi Handi but also for groups that gave ceremonial salutes. The report said that instructions had been issued to give priority to safety during the formation of human pyramids.
However, participants below the age of 14 were reportedly seen in the pyramids at some locations. The report noted that the condition requiring the participant on the top tier to be at least 14 years old was not followed by some mandals. It also said that sound levels were kept lower at several venues this year.
The celebrations took place amid changing weather conditions. The morning remained hot, leaving Govinda teams fatigued during the physical activity. Rain after 4 p.m. brought cooler conditions and renewed enthusiasm among participants.
Ten Govindas were also reported injured during the celebrations and were taken to government hospitals for treatment, according to related coverage cited by Loksatta. The events were attended by film personalities, sportspersons and public figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, actors Govinda, Sanjay Dutt, Kranti Redkar and Mansi Kulkarni, and cricketer Suryakumar Yadav.
The traffic arrangements and safety compliance at public Dahi Handi venues remained the immediate operational issues reported from the celebrations. Authorities’ traffic diversions and event-management measures were implemented around the designated venues as the festival continued across the Thane police commissionerate area.
