Dahi Handi 2026: Pune woman dies after iron arch collapses on her during stage dismantling

Pic/Ashish Raje

The festive atmosphere in Pune's Juni Sangvi area turned tragic after a 45-year-old woman died when an iron arch from the event's stage structure collapsed on her.

The incident occurred at 10.30 pm on Friday, when the stage was being dismantled. The deceased has been identified as Salma Salauddin Pathan, 45.

According to police, the Vighnaharta Dahi Handi Mitra Mandal had organised Dahi Handi celebrations in the area. The handi was broken at 10.05 pm, following which the programme concluded and workers began dismantling the stage.

Salma Pathan had attended the celebration along with her husband, Salauddin Pathan. As they were exiting the venue, the iron structure reportedly fell on her.