Mumbai Youth Perishes During Dahi Handi Preparation
In the lead-up to the upcoming Dahi Handi festival in Mumbai, scheduled for August 16, concerns regarding safety have arisen following a tragic incident that claimed the life of an 11-year-old participant named Mahesh Jadhav.
During the festival, participants form multi-tiered human pyramids to break 'Dahi Handis' (clay pots filled with curd) suspended mid-air. The high-risk nature of this activity necessitates the use of safety measures such as helmets, safety belts, and harnesses. These protective gears are essential in safeguarding participants' heads and bodies in case of falls or collapses from the pyramid, which are common due to the height and physical challenge involved in the event.
Helmets protect participants from serious head trauma, while safety belts and harnesses help secure them during the climb and while sustaining the pyramid, reducing the chance of severe falls. Compliance with these measures is not only crucial for the safety of the participants but also mandated by legal and safety regulations, as per Supreme Court and Bombay High Court orders.
Despite these measures, recent festivals have still witnessed numerous injuries and deaths, underscoring the need for strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of protective equipment. The incident involving Mahesh Jadhav is not the first to highlight the need for improved safety measures during the Dahi Handi festival practices.
Officials have expressed concern about the lack of safety measures such as helmets, safety belts, and harnesses during practices. The practice that led to Mahesh Jadhav's death took place on an open ground in the Dahisar area of Mumbai. Dahisar Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in relation to the incident.
Mahesh Jadhav had been participating in the Dahi Handi festival every year. His death during a practice session has raised concerns about the safety of young participants in the festival. As the festive season approaches, calls for stricter safety measures are growing louder, aiming to preserve the cultural spirit of the Dahi Handi festival while minimizing harm.
The Dahi Handi festival is a part of Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. It is a much-anticipated event in Mumbai, known for its vibrant celebrations and competitive spirit. However, the lack of safety measures potentially increases the possibility of similar incidents during the festive season.
In light of this tragedy, it is crucial that all Govinda troupes adhere to safety protocols and ensure the use of protective equipment to prevent further accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable festival for all participants and spectators.
- Strict adherence to safety protocols, including the use of helmets, safety belts, and harnesses, is essential during the Dahi Handi festival practices, as tragic accidents like the one involving Mahesh Jadhav have highlighted the need for improved safety measures.
- The lack of safety measures during practice sessions, such as the one occurring in the Dahisar area of Mumbai, has resulted in accidents and deaths, prompting calls for stricter compliance with safety regulations in the general-news context of the upcoming Dahi Handi festival.
