Allow us to celebrate Dahi Handi, will keep it low-key, mandals tell Maharashtra govt

Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

With the festival of Dahi Handi around the corner, mandals and Govinda troupes have requested the government to allow them to celebrate it on a small scale, as practice sessions have already started.

At a meeting with state minister Aaditya Thackeray last week, Dahi Handi coordination committee members said they would form small pyramids of three-four layers, with a limited number of participants who are fully vaccinated. If Ganeshotsav can be allowed on a small scale, the government can give permission for Dahi Handi, too, for just one day, the members said.

Geeta Zagde, secretary of Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti, said, "We have also requested them to allow us to form human pyramids at our practise grounds, so that we can continue our tradition. It will be even better if the organisers hold events at nearby grounds and call their local Govinda troupes to participate. This will mean no involvement of bikes and trucks and no long hours of travel for participation. We put forth our requests at the meeting with Thackeray. We hope for a positive outcome."

Hoping for a green light, Govinda troupes have started practising, by following COVID-9 protocols. MNS leader Avinash Jadhav has already announced that he will organise a Dahi Handi competition in Thane.

MLA Ram Kadam, who has been organising Dahi Handi event at Ghatkopar for many years, said, "We will definitely celebrate the festival. However, the scale of the celebration will depend on the relaxations granted."