Aala re aala, govinda aala!

This year’s, dahi handi revelry will be on a much larger scale after the the Bombay high court revoked the restriction on the height of human pyramids. Last year, the height for the dahi handi was restricted to 20 feet, while the age limit for govindas was pegged at 18 years.

Sagar Kadam, one of the participants in the Khotwadi Handi pathak, a group of govindas that participate every year, is ecstatic about the move. He says, “We are happy with the move since there are no restrictions whatsoever. We have been practicing the human pyramid for two months. However, since the high court’s decision came in a week before D-day, we were practicing only for six-tier human pyramids. We will try to go beyond the eight-tier human pyramids.”

From DJs and artificial showers to Bollywood celebrities and cash prizes, political parties across the city are making grand plans for August 15. With dahi handi celebrated on a huge platform across Maharashtra and  more than 20 lakh people attending, celebrities often use this as a platform to promote their upcoming movies and strike a chord with the masses. The Sena had a monopoly over the festival for years considering that it played an important role in the party’s growth. Jitendra Awhad had even invited overseas tourists to participate in the celebrations. Mr Awhad says, “We welcome this decision and we will now be able to enjoy the festival to the fullest.”

Organisers of the Mahila Handi Pathak have said that security will be the top priority and they will ensure that all participants are provided with security gears like helmets and jackets to prevent injury. The theme, zero-injury Dahi Handi further reflects their security plan. Though most mandals want to increase the height of the handi, some of them may not be able to because with only a few days left for the festival, it will be difficult for all of them to arrange pathaks who are used to handis above 20 feet in height.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Bala Nandgaonkar says, “Post the Supreme Court's decision in 2014 that highlighted the restrictions including building five-tier human pyramid and not letting minors participate in it, the enthusiasm has been crushed. Now this year, despite the HC’s decision of revoking the restriction on the age limit, we will keep it a low-key affair and build only six-tier human pyramids.”

Ever since demonetisation has come into effect, it will be difficult for organisers to handout high cash prizes. The prizes for now go up to Rs 2 lakhs.

Top 5 Govindas in Mumbai
Sankalp Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Worli
Organised by politician Sachin Ahir, Sankalp Pratishtan dahi handi holds one of the tallest dahi handi competitions in Mumbai. It is held at the Jamboree Maidan on G. M. Bhosle Marg in Worli. Its popularity has increased manifold because of the presence of the appearance of Bollywood celebrities and their occassional performances.
Venue: Jambori Maidan, BDD Chawls, Worli, Mumbai-18

Sangharsh Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Thane
Organised by MLA Jitendra Ahwad, this is one of the richest dahi handi mandals in Mumbai. Prize money often goes up to lakhs of rupees with the occasional few grams of gold. DJs play groovy music as enthusiasts from all over Mumbai try their best to break the pot.
Venue: Sangarsh, Open House Panchpakahadi, Thane

Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Thane
Organised by Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik, Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan Dahi Handi is one of central Mumbai's most famous mandals. Thane is actually one of the most happening regions when it comes to Janmashtami celebrations.
Venue: Vartak Nagar, Thane

Ram Kadam Dahi Handi, Ghatkopar
MNS MLA Ram Kadam is quite active in the Ghatkopar region and he makes his presence felt during dahi handi. Named after him, the dahi handi mandal in Ghatkopar attracts govinda pathaks (participant groups) from all over Mumbai.
Venue: Sanitarium Lane, Ghatkopar

Anand Charitable Trust Handi, Thane
Another one of the popular mandals in Thane, the Anand Charitable Trust handi is organised by Shiv Sena MP Rajan Vichare. While celebrations are now subdued on account of the newly added restrictions, this is still one of the dahi handi venues to look out for as it has its share of loyal local enthusiasts.
Venue: Jambli Naka. Thane

HC decision
The Bombay high court, on August 7, lifted the ban on the 20-feet height limit on dahi handi's human pyramid. Further, the court has accepted the state government's statement that those below the age of 14 years can't be allowed to participate in the dahi handi festival. The court made it clear that limiting the height of the dahi handi and deciding an age bar for the participants falls within the domain of legislature.

Safety recautions

• Dahi handi festivals, wherever celebrated, should have adequate facilities that include cushion layers such as mats and mattresses.
• All members should be registered with identity proofs and should be insured.
• Safety equipment like helmets, jackets, safety belts and chest guards should be provided.
• A strong nylon net should be kept ready.
• First-aid kit and ambulance should be provided in case of emergencies.
• Injured govindas should be immediately rushed to hospitals.
• Organisers should provide mobile toilets.
• Drunken persons should not be allowed to participate.