Even as the nation celebrates Independence Day tomorrow, dahi handi pyramid formations will take over the city, with just the festival falling on the same day. Prizes for the tallest pyramid have been announced, and mandals are getting ready to outdo each other.

While it is true that mandals rely heavily on children to form the top tier of the pyramids, given their light weight, it is important to remember that there have been a great many accidents in the past. Some have resulted in death, while others have led to young men becoming paralysed or suffering other grievous injuries.