Boy had climbed top tier of human pyramid when he lost balance and fell to his death
The Jadhav family grieving at their home in Dahisar. Pic/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A festive rehearsal turned into a tragedy in Dahisar in Mumbai late on Sunday night when labourer couple Sangeeta and Ramesh Jadhav lost their eldest son during a practice session for the upcoming Dahi Handi festival. The 11-year-old, identified as a member of the Navtarun Mitra Mandal, reportedly fell during the formation of a human pyramid in the Ketkipada area and succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
According to the police, the boy had climbed the top tier of the human pyramid — the sixth layer — when he lost his balance and fell directly to the ground, hurting his head severely.
“The preliminary postmortem report stated that natural head injuries were the reason for his death,” said Senior Police Inspector Sarje Rao Patil of Dahisar police station.
An accidental death report has been filed and the organising group is being questioned about the safety measures that were taken.
The incident occurred while the group was conducting one of its routine evening practice sessions to prepare for the Janmashtami festivities scheduled later this week on August 16.
“He was our eldest son. We have two daughters and another son. He was our support and a ray of hope who would soon start earning for the family and support us. It feels like we have lost everything,” Ramesh Jadhav told mid-day as he sobbed relentlessly.
The boy’s father Ramesh Jadhav said it feels like the family has lost everything. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Despite immediate attempts by fellow mandal members and onlookers to revive the boy, the impact is believed to have caused fatal head injuries. He was rushed to Bhagwati Hospital in Borivali West, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Relatives have alleged that smaller mandals often lack the funds for safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, or crash mats, making accidents more likely. “He was on the topmost layer. All big mandals have proper protective gear, which can help avoid such accidents. But smaller groups suffer. Authorities announce rules, but why can’t they also provide safety gear to those who cannot afford it?” asked Hira Rathod, the boy’s uncle.
The death has cast a pall over the local community. Several residents gathered outside the Jadhav home through Sunday night and Monday morning to offer condolences and moral support. “He was such a cheerful boy… always the first to join in festivals. We cannot believe he is gone,” said Rathod.
Meanwhile, local leaders stepped forward with assistance. One politician announced monetary aid of Rs 5 lakh for the family and also promised to help build them a permanent house. However, relatives say no compensation can make up for their loss. With the festival just days away, the Dahisar tragedy is expected to fuel a debate over whether the thrill and competitive spirit of the tradition can ever truly balance with the responsibility of safeguarding participants, especially children. In 2014, the Bombay High Court had restricted the minimum age for participants to 14 years, citing safety concerns. Yet enforcement remains patchy.
The boy’s mother Sangeeta Jadhav. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Ironically, on July 18, the Maharashtra government had announced an insurance cover of Rs 1.5 lakh for registered govindas participating in Dahi Handi this year. “We didn’t even know about this scheme. Nobody told us, so we didn’t register,” a Navtarun Mitra Mandal member told mid-day.
The Dahisar incident is a grim reminder that while tradition can unite communities, neglecting safety can cost lives.
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