Why Govindas must prioritise safety and refuse participation without organisers providing safety gear

Mumbai is gearing up for its dynamic festive season. Krishna Janmashtami is set to be celebrated with great fervour and pomp on September 6. This special occasion marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna which is accompanied by a prominent cultural activity known as Dahi Handi. "Dahi" refers to yoghurt, while "Handi" signifies an earthen pot filled with dairy products.

The high-octane celebration comes with a competitive edge. The participants, known as ‘Govindas', form human pyramids to reach and break the Handi suspended at a height. The tradition is in line with the belief that Lord Krishna, as a kid, was so fond of butter and curd that he began to steal it with his boy band from the neighbourhood houses.

Tragically, there have been instances where Govindas get injured or succumb to their injuries during Dahi Handi celebrations. These accidents typically occur due to the inherent risks involved with forming human pyramids at steep heights without proper safety measures. Often Govindas at the top of the pyramid lose their balance or fall when attempting to reach the Dahi Handi pot. Such falls from considerable heights result in severe injuries, including head injuries, fractures, and sometimes death.

Avinash Dalvi, a member of a human pyramid team, expressed, "We've been diligently practicing for the past month, focusing on each participant's security. Safety is our utmost concern, and as a precaution, we secure the individual at the top with a safety belt."

Ahead of Dahi Handi celebrations, Govindas share safety measures and essential gear tips.

Safety Gear
Participants, especially those at the top of the pyramid, should wear appropriate safety gear such as helmets, pads, and gloves to protect themselves in case of a fall. The Jai Jawan Govinda Pathak in Jogeshwari, which boasts a record nine-tier human pyramid, has mandated the use of helmets for Govindas within their group. They are also supposed to carry the helmets while travelling by motorcycle to various locations for Dahi Handi celebrations. Other safety gear like crash pads can be installed next to the pyramid to ensure a soft landing in case of a mishap.

Dahi Handi pathaks should ensure first aid
Encourage the Dahi Handi mandals or event organisers to provide adequate first-aid support. Given that many Dahi Handi celebrations are sponsored events, it's essential to verify that your mandal or the event organisers have first aid available in case of emergencies. Additionally, inquire about the availability of ambulance services through the event organisers.

Ensure that your mandal has medical insurance
As per the directives of the Bombay High Court in 2017, Dahi Handi mandals must possess insurance coverage. Ensure your safety by verifying with your Mandal whether it has procured the necessary insurance. "We have asked the Govinda pathaks to mainly focus on getting the medical insurance covered for their members. It should be done on a priority basis" informed Badal Padalkar, the president of Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti.

Stay fed and maintain optimum hydration levels
Dahi Handi kicks off in the late morning and carries on until late afternoon. If you intend to take part in the event, make sure to have a meal in the morning. It's not advisable to participate on an empty stomach, as you'll need strength to endure the extended duration. The same advice applies to those who plan to spectate the event. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals.

Don't drink if you are participating
Refrain from consuming alcohol if you intend to participate in Dahi Handi. As a Govinda, it's crucial to remain sober, as alcohol can impair your physical strength and coordination, which are essential for this sport. Past incidents have shown that individuals at the base of the pyramid have suffered injuries due to participants losing their balance, emphasising the importance of staying alcohol-free during the event.

Don't give in to peer pressure
They should also avoid yielding to peer pressure, especially considering that this age group is susceptible to influence, and they should not be manipulated by local political figures either. It's easy to point fingers at organisers and politicians who rush to offer "compensation," but what Govindas should prioritise is advocating for safety measures in advance or, if necessary, opting not to participate in the event.

Our safety is in our own hands
While organisers bear some responsibility, participants should now take a stand and decline to volunteer for Dahi Handi events if proper safety precautions are not in place. It should be the Govindas themselves or their parents who confidently decline participation if organisers fail to provide essential safety gear from the very beginning, including during practice sessions. Govindas aged 18 and above possess the maturity to make this decision.

Families should spark a dialogue on safety with their kids
During Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, a total of 111 govindas in Mumbai were injured and approximately three died due to severe injuries. It is imperative to seize control of the situation now, as ultimately, it's their lives at stake. Families should engage in open conversations with their younger children, providing them with accurate guidance and emphasising that these tragic accidents are a real possibility. Without safety precautions, they could easily find themselves in a perilous situation.

State guidelines for Dahi Handi celebrations
To mitigate these risks, safety measures, guidelines and regulations have been put in place in some regions to ensure the safety of participants. However, accidents can still occur, especially when safety precautions are not followed rigorously.

In the previous year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared Dahi Handi an official sport. He also added that participants or their families would receive compensation in the event of fatal or other injuries sustained by the players during the human pyramid formations. This comes as the festival will be celebrated without any Covid-19 restrictions for the second year. This year, the state government organised the inaugural official Pro Govinda League on August 31 at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli.

Supreme Court had mandated that children below the age of 12 years would not be allowed to participate in the construction of human pyramids during the festival. This decision was quashed by a Bombay High Court order that raised the minimum age of participation to 18 in 2014.

The Bombay High Court had established a maximum height limit for human pyramids at 20 feet in 2016. Nevertheless, this ruling has been contested in the Supreme Court by various organisations, each raising distinct legal arguments against the stance. In Mumbai, there are approximately 1,500 to 2,000 Govinda pathaks, but only three to four of them can construct a nine-tier human pyramid, while 20 to 25 pathaks can assemble an eight-tier human pyramid.