Mumbai: The number of ‘Govindas’ got hurt during the Dahi Handi program on Tuesday, a part of Krishna Janmashtami celebration, reached to an alarming level, with many participants needing urgent medical attention. According to a fresh data by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday, the mark of injured participants has reached 238 injured ‘Govindas’ during the Dahi Handi competition in Maharashtra’s capital. Some of these ‘Govindas’ are receiving treatment at the BMC-run health facilities, while others are admitted to private hospitals.
The toll of injured participants during the Janmashtami festivities surpassed the last year's record. Then, a total of 195 people were reportedly injured. Of them, 18 individuals needed to be admitted to hospitals for treatment, while the rest of the 177 people were discharged.
#UPDATE | Maharashtra | 206 Govindas injured during Dahi Handi festival in Mumbai: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024
Also Read: VIDEO: Mumbai Decks Up for Janmashtami, Celebrates with Energetic Dahi Handi Competitions
Dahi Handi, also called Gopalakala, is a favorite sport of the devotees of Krishna as the game represents his playful spirit. The sport is largely famous in Mumbai., where participants make a human-pyramid, and compete to break an earthen pot suspended in the mid-air. This pot or 'Handi' is filled with curd and butter that Krishna loved.
Dahi Handi for Rewards?
However, the motive of the sport has changed over the years. The high and lucrative rewards for breaking the Handis have also become a motive, mostly offered in events organised by big firms and political parties. on Tuesday as well, roads leading to Gujari Chowk, Mirajkar Tikti, Dasara Chowk, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, and Laxmipuri area were closed off, and the stage were set.
A report by Times of India said at a function called Yuva Shakti Dahi Handi, Organised by Dhananjay Mahadik at Dasara Chowk, the winning price money was Rs 3 lakh. Among those high-spirited participants, the award was the main attraction. This drew the individuals from Nesari, Ajara, Shirol, Gadhinglaj, and other parts of western Maharashtra participated.