The 11-year-old, a member of a mandal, reportedly fell during the formation of a human pyramid in Ketkipada, Dahisar, and succumbed to his injuries on the spot
Representation pic
A rehearsal turned tragic recently when a labourer couple lost their eldest son during a practice session for the upcoming Dahi Handi festival. The 11-year-old, a member of a mandal, reportedly fell during the formation of a human pyramid in Ketkipada, Dahisar, and succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
Police said 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. He was rushed to a hospital in Borivli West, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Relatives alleged that smaller mandals often lack the funds for safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, or crash mats, making accidents more likely. Typically, big mandals provide protective gear to Dahi Handi participants, not smaller ones.
We simply cannot have this distinction because of the size of mandals. We need to have rules that mandals of any size must have protective gear. Without this, they should not be allowed to field Govindas or practise.
Authorities must also check this protective gear and ensure that it is used during practice. The protective gear cannot only be used on Janmashtami. This is a moot point as we see several mandals fishing out the gear on the main day, while Govindas are practising without that throughout. This is akin to a motorbike racer wearing a helmet only on race day and not during practice runs. Or jockeys wearing helmets only on big race days and not during track work. Accidents can happen during practice too, so to shun safety measures in the run-up is dangerous, disastrous and deadly.
If smaller mandals cannot afford gear, do not participate. Make that non-negotiable — no gear, no tier.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
