[HPI adds: Dahi-Handi is an Indian festival that involves youth groups forming human pyramids in the street during the festival and attempted to break an earthen pot filled with curd (in immitation of the child Krishna’s theft of such a pot) tied high above. These pyramids occasionally collapse with injuries to those involved.]
MUMBAI, INDIA, August 17, 2016 (Indian Express): The Supreme Court ruling on age bar of Govindas participating in the Dahi-Handi ritual in Maharashtra, on Wednesday met with disappointment back home with political leaders and local groups seeing the move as a setback to the festive tradition and demanded that the state government file a review petition in the case. The apex court on Wednesday said that youth below 18 years of age cannot participate in the Dahi Handi ritual, part of the Janmashtami festival in Maharashtra and the height of the human pyramid for it cannot exceed 20 feet, a limit fixed by the Bombay High Court. [Presently, the pot may be hung as high as 40 feet above the street.]
Arun Sawant, spokesperson of the Mumbai Congress, termed the cap as “unnecessary” and said, “This is really very disheartening because in the last few years, many organizers have came forward to take care of Govindas in case of any eventuality. They vouched for the well-being of the Govindas and took upon their medical and financial responsibility if anything untoward happens.” He said it is only the small organizers who put Govindas’ lives at risk during the Dahi Handi event.
Ruling BJP too said that it will do every bit to protect the “sheen” of the festival. “Such sort of a cap is an attempt to spoil our rich culture of Dahi Handi which not only unites youth but also makes them stronger. We are going to do every bit to save this popular festival,” Mumbai BJP spokesperson Yogesh Verma said.