Thane’s Dahi Handi celebrations led to traffic congestion across several major roads on Saturday after public events, route diversions and the movement of Govinda teams affected traffic in multiple parts of the city. The celebrations also raised concerns over reports of children below the age of 14 participating in human pyramid formations despite court-mandated safety conditions.
A total of 254 public Dahi Handi events were organised within the Thane police commissionerate’s jurisdiction this year, according to the report. Organised by festival committees, social organisations and political parties, the events attracted Govinda teams from Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar, with organisers announcing cash prizes running into lakhs of rupees.
Several teams attempted human pyramids of up to nine tiers at venues across Thane and Mumbai. The report said that, despite instructions to give the highest priority to safety, children below 14 were seen participating in some formations. A court condition requires the Govinda positioned on the top tier to be at least 14 years old.
Traffic restrictions were imposed around events held at Tembhi Naka, Raheja, Ghodbunder Road, Kasarvadavli, Pokhran and Castle Mill Naka. Vehicles were diverted to alternative routes, increasing traffic loads on those roads. Vehicles belonging to Govinda teams parked along the roadside further contributed to congestion, while groups travelling between venues were also seen on the city’s roads.
The traffic impact was reported as festival organisers closed or restricted roads for public celebrations. The diversions affected residents and other road users, particularly around major junctions and corridors serving the event locations. The report did not provide a consolidated duration or citywide traffic count for the congestion.
Weather conditions also affected participants. The morning remained hot after rain stayed away, leaving Govinda teams physically exhausted while preparing human pyramids. Rain arrived after 4 p.m., bringing cooler conditions and renewed activity at the celebrations.
The events drew film personalities, sportspersons and political leaders. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended a Dahi Handi event, while actors Govinda, Sanjay Dutt, Kranti Redkar and Mansi Kulkarni were also present at celebrations in the city. Cricketer Suryakumar Yadav spoke to Govindas in Marathi and described Pro Govinda as an indigenous sport that should be taken to the Olympic level. Actor Suniel Shetty spoke about efforts to help taxi and autorickshaw drivers, as well as members of the film industry, learn Marathi.
The report also noted that several organisers appeared to keep sound levels lower this year. Authorities’ next steps on enforcement of age restrictions, crowd safety requirements and traffic management at future public Dahi Handi events were not specified in the report.
