Subheadline: Injured participants include children under 14, while authorities reported 254 Dahi Handi events across the Thane police commissionerate area.
At least 56 Govindas were injured while forming human pyramids during Dahi Handi celebrations in Thane, including participants under the age of 14, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane. The injured included participants from Thane, Mumbai, the Mumbai suburbs and Navi Mumbai.
The injuries were reported during Dahi Handi events held on Saturday across the Thane police commissionerate area. The report said 254 Dahi Handi events were organised within the commissionerate’s jurisdiction, drawing Govinda teams from several parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Several participants suffered minor injuries and were treated before being discharged, while others required hospital care. Reported injuries included fractures as well as trauma to the back, shoulders, knees, neck, head, chest, hands and legs.
Some of the injured participants were taken to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa, run by the Thane Municipal Corporation, and to the district government hospital. Those with fractures or other significant injuries continued to receive treatment, while some patients were given primary care and sent home, the report said.
Children under 14 were among those injured. The report said some children suffered injuries to their hands, legs and shoulders, bringing renewed attention to the safety of minors participating in human-pyramid events during Dahi Handi celebrations.
Dahi Handi is held across Thane each year, with teams competing to break suspended earthen pots by building human pyramids. This year’s celebrations took place at venues throughout the police commissionerate area, where events continued during the day.
The injured Govindas listed in the report included residents and participants from Thane, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The report did not provide a breakdown of the injuries by venue, age group or event organiser. It also did not state whether any event-specific safety measures were reviewed after the injuries.
Treatment for the injured participants was continuing at the identified hospitals, while those discharged after primary care returned home, according to the report.
