A 13-year-old boy was seriously injured and 15 other Govindas suffered minor injuries during Dahi Handi celebrations in Vasai-Virar, according to information released by the Vasai-Virar municipal medical department.
The injuries were reported during the 2026 festival, as Govinda teams formed human pyramids to break or salute Dahi Handis at venues across the city. Municipal hospital officials said 16 participants were treated during the celebrations.
The seriously injured boy sustained a fracture to the mastoid bone behind the ear and was admitted to hospital for treatment. The other injured participants received primary medical care. Those whose condition was stable were discharged after treatment, the municipal health department said.
The incidents occurred when human pyramids collapsed after participants lost their balance. Govinda teams from Vasai-Virar, Palghar, Bhayandar and Thane had gathered at several festival venues in the city, where groups formed pyramids ranging from five to eight tiers.
Dahi Handi celebrations have expanded in Vasai-Virar over the past several years, with events organised at multiple locations and prizes running into lakhs of rupees. Political parties and social organisations were among those involved in organising the events this year, according to the report.
The festival has drawn larger participation since Dahi Handi received recognition as an adventure sport, increasing competition among teams attempting to build taller human pyramids. The municipal medical department’s injury count covers participants treated during this year’s celebrations.
The 13-year-old remains hospitalised for the mastoid fracture, while the remaining injured Govindas were released after their condition became stable, according to the medical and health department information cited in the report.
