At least 38 Govindas were injured after human pyramids collapsed during Dahi Handi celebrations in Thane and the Ghodbunder area on Saturday, with the injured admitted to two government hospitals, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane.
The injured were taken to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa, operated by the Thane Municipal Corporation, and the Thane District Government Hospital. The incidents occurred as Govinda teams attempted to form tall human pyramids at Dahi Handi venues offering cash prizes running into lakhs of rupees.
The report said teams from Thane, Mumbai and nearby areas participated in the celebrations. The Thane-cha Raja and Ramnagar-cha Raja teams each formed nine-tier pyramids, while teams from Mumbai also attempted nine tiers. The high formations led to a competition among teams to build taller pyramids at different venues across the city.
Twenty-two injured Govindas were listed as receiving treatment at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa. Their reported injuries included damage to the head, neck, back, chest, shoulders, arms, legs and knees. The patients included a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, as well as a 65-year-old participant.
Sixteen other injured participants were admitted to the Thane District Government Hospital. The injuries reported among this group included damage to the back, hands, legs, knees, chest and shoulders. One patient was described as having minor injuries, while the report did not provide an overall assessment of the severity or discharge status of those treated.
Dahi Handi has been celebrated on a large scale in Thane for several years, with political parties and organisations associated with them among the organisers of events offering major cash prizes. Govinda teams from Mumbai and surrounding cities travel to Thane to compete for these awards, according to the report.
The two hospitals named in the report were treating the injured after the falls. The report did not specify whether any participant required surgery, intensive care or transfer to another facility, and it did not include a separate statement from the municipal corporation, district administration or event organisers.
