As state is firm on not giving nod, the political party threatens to hold a big event in Dadar; some mandals will also hold the celebration
Youngsters make a human pyramid on the occasion of Gokulashtami, in Chembur, on Monday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
The government is firm about not allowing the dahi handi celebration today due to Covid-19, but some politicians want to use the Janmashtami festival to their advantage. Some Govinda mandals and organisers too, have decided to go ahead and celebrate the festival, though not at a large scale. But members of the MNS, that is trying to organise a dahi handi event at Thane on a large scale, have threatened to hold the event at Dadar if permission for it is not granted.
ADVERTISEMENT
Members of many mandals were practicing for the celebration as they hoped they would get permission this year. The government had declined permission for multi-tiered 'human pyramids' to various dahi handi groups to celebrate the festival. mid-day had reported recently that the decision was taken at a meeting of the Dahi Handi Coordination Committee with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, cabinet ministers, MLAs, top police and civic officials, District Collectors, besides members of the Covid Task Force and Covid Child Task Force. While a majority of the Dahi Handi organisers had agreed to comply with the government directives, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leaders had strongly criticised the move to restrict the celebrations.
Also read: Thane: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena activists held over 'Dahi Handi' protest
Sandeep Deshpande of MNS, said, “We are planning to organise one of the biggest dahi handi events at Thane and if we are not allowed to do so, then we will ensure that it takes place in Dadar. Several of our leaders will also be organising the event in various parts of the city on Tuesday. Why is it that the government remembers to impose restrictions only when a festival is around and not when the ruling party’s workers are on the streets protesting and breaking all the Covid norms? These double standards will make us part from our traditions and thus we will host the events wherever possible.”
Like MNS, some mandals have also decided to celebrate in their localities. Geeta Zagde, secretary of Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti, said, “We have decided to break the handi but at a low scale. My troupe of women Govindas will form human pyramids and break the handi at Vile Parle east and will also give out social messages while doing so. But it will not be as it used to be like during pre-Covid times.”
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
