Political parties say they are concerned about Mumbai’s young Govindas but insist that they will not follow the Supreme Court’s recent orders for increased safety during the dahi handi celebrations. The SC has banned those below 18 years from participating in dahi handi formations and has also capped the height of the human pyramids to 20 ft.
Political parties say they are concerned about Mumbai’s young Govindas but insist that they will not follow the Supreme Court’s recent orders for increased safety during the dahi handi celebrations. The SC has banned those below 18 years from participating in dahi handi formations and has also capped the height of the human pyramids to 20 ft.
This is a welcome move, given the spate of grievous injuries we have seen during the dahi handi festival in past years. What should be a day of joy often becomes one of tragedy and gloom for families who witness their children hurt or, in extreme cases, fighting for their life.
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For a few years now, this paper has been making a case for all safety equipment to be used, even during practice sessions. The Supreme Court order may be difficult to implement, for there are justified reservations like, who is going to check the ages of the Govindas? Amidst the frenzy and fervour of the festival, who is going to check if the dahi handi pyramids stick to the 20-foot limit?
Yet, it is the organizers who need to see the wisdom of the court’s decision. Everything need not be enforced by the force of law. Sometimes, common sense is all it takes to do the trick. It would be good if Govindas and laypersons, both shun politicians trying to leverage the festival to gain publicity. Politicians are not going to be at the hospital nursing the injured Govindas. We bet they will hardly spare them a glance. It is not their limb or life at stake here, all they want to do is rabble rouse, grab headlines, create controversy, communalise the festival to create fissures and discontent which they once again can capitalise on. It would be naïve to fall for such sentiment spouted for political gain.
This Janmashtami, let us follow court orders and go beyond, ensuring full safety gear and precautions, even while adhering to the new rules. Prizes should be given not for the tallest pyramid, but the most disciplined one. Laws and bones are not to be broken. Let us put safety on top of the pyramid this time. Govinda aala re.
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