Insure govindas first: committee to mandals

With no height restrictions imposed on this year’s Dahi Handi festival, the coordination committee for all mandals participating in the festival has asked all participating govindas to get insurance.

Bala Padelkar, president, Dahi Handi Utsav coordination committee, said, “We held a meeting on Sunday and asked all the mandals to enjoy the festival, but safely. We have also asked them to insure govindas who will be forming the pyramids on the day of the festival.”

Following the Supreme Court order which stayed the High Court decision of imposing a 20-foot height limit on

dahi handi pyramids, organisers can now set the

handi without any restrictions. However, the committee has clarified that no

govinda below 12 years can participate.

Mr. Padelkar said, “This is just a one-day festival and practice for it has already begun. We wish to say that those who are approaching courts with various issues to be little more considerate. This is not only a Hindu festival; the state has given it a sport tag. Let’s all come together to enjoy it.”

The BJP’s Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar, who also addressed the meeting, added, “We have asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure that the festival is celebrated without any problems. He has assured us that all laws will be followed and the festival will be celebrated with enthusiasm. Let’s keep safety first while celebrating it.”