The government’s decision to not allow next week’s dahi handi (Krishna Janmashtami, Govinda festival) celebrations in view of the pandemic, has been opposed by some mandals and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Protesters have demanded that the celebrations be permitted in traditional manner with fully-vaccinated players, minimum crowds at fixed places, less pyramid height and without commercial frills and pomp.

On Monday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray told the coordination committee members of the dahi handi mandals in a virtual meeting, that instead of celebrating the festival, social and healthcare activities should be promoted by them ahead of a third wave. The CMO said in a statement that the mandals responded positively to Thackeray’s appeal. It quoted the CM as saying, “The sentiments about festivals are the same everywhere, but today’s first priority is healthcare. We have to understand that the restrictions imposed are for saving lives. Some people talk of protesting against the restriction. They should protest against the coronavirus instead.”