Speak up Mumbai | This Dahi Handi, sky is the limit for Govindas

On Monday, August 7, Dahi Handi Pathaks welcomed the Bombay High Court's decision to not cap height restrictions while forming human pyramids during Dahi Handi festival.

In 2016, the HC had restricted the height of the pyramid to 20-feet a day before the festival, due to the increase in the number of accidents while forming human pyramids.

On August 7, during the hearing in the HC, the petitioners submitted that the height be restricted to a maximum of 10 feet not only because it is safe but also because Lord Krishna used to form only 10-feet high human chains. The HC dismissed the arguments stating, "We do not even know if Lord Krishna existed in the first place. Why only 10 feet? Why not 20, or 50, or 60 feet?"

In the wake of the Bombay High Court revoking restriction on the height of human pyramids, DNA asked Mumbaikars whether they think there should be restrictions on the height of human pyramids despite the High Court order.

The height of Dahi Handi shouldn't matter as it's a festival and everyone should be able to participate. But one thing that should be taken care of. If it is too high then proper precaution should be taken to ensure there are no fatal injuries. People get injured even while walking on the road, it is up to an individual to take precautions.
—Sukesh Shetty, Kalyan

There should be a restriction on height in Dahi Handi. Too many people have lost their lives. Festivals are meant to be enjoyed and celebrated, they are not a cause for gloom. The celebrations should not be at risk to life. It should be enjoyment for the person participating as well as those watching. If something happens, even people who watch feel bad about it. People tend to go with the flow and do not take as much precaution.
—Ravi Nair, Marol resident

While the best backup safety measures have been taken, one has to stop where it is needed. We know some of them are from poor families and need money but risking one's life to such an extent will leave a huge void in the family. I have seen cases with my own eyes; pathaks falling and being bed ridden due to major injuries. Celebrating the festival is one thing but who will take responsibility for the injured govindas?
—Rajesh Poojari, Charni Road resident

The government should ensure that the restrictions and rules set by the Bombay High Court are followed. Organisers should ensure that the festival is celebrated with fun and there should be no risk to life in the name of Dahi Handi. The government should also ensure that celebrations in the city are safe and no nuisance is created by the revellers. The rules must be followed.
—Liza Bedi, Mulund resident

The celebration of Dahi Handi is a long-standing tradition across the country, especially in Maharashtra. However, in the past, we have seen participants receive severe injuries, and some of them even lost their lives. Since the tradition cannot be stopped, there must be some regulation to protect human lives. If the government imposes restrictions on the height of human pyramids, it is only in the interest of the participants.
—Abhisekh Sinha, Parel resident

Keeping the festive sentiment in mind, instead of a ban, there should be restrictions on the height of human pyramids. Safety and security are of paramount importance, not only for those participating in the activity but for onlookers too. Given the numerous accidents and injuries that happen every year, restrictions should help us cope, provided everybody abides by them.
—Diwakar Mishra, Bandra resident

EXPERT SPEAK

Controlling the height of human pyramids is the most crucial thing as most accidents have taken place after falling from a great height. The government is not taking any steps to ensure that the major reason why so many govindas lose their lives and get injured is eliminated. The festival should only be celebrated in good spirit without dirty competition for more layers at the cost of people's lives.
—Swati Patil, Activist and petitioner in the Dahi Handi case

Over a decade ago, Govindas performed without any practice. But over the last few years, Govinda pathaks have been practising well in advance. It is not compulsory for everyone to form a human pyramid above 20 feet but pathaks had practised hard and have the confidence to perform. The restriction on the 20-feet height cap was making a few pathaks under perform.
—Arun Patil, Mazgaon Govinda Pathak coach, Dahihandi Utsav Samanvay Samiti member