Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Dahi Handi Celebrations Put Safety Ahead of Records
Dahi Handi is a festival where teams build human pyramids to break a pot.
The festival was celebrated across Maharashtra.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told participants that staying safe is more important than making the tallest pyramid.
He reminded Govindas that their families are waiting for them at home.
Two people died in separate accidents in Mumbai and Pune.
At least 42 Govindas were injured in Mumbai and Thane.
The government has introduced measures such as insurance and a program called Pro Govinda.
During one celebration, an organizer from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena joined Shinde’s faction.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged Dahi Handi participants to prioritize safety over taller, record-breaking pyramids.
Two people died in separate Dahi Handi-related incidents in Mumbai and Pune, officials said.
A seven-year-old boy died after a brick column collapsed in Mumbai, while a woman was crushed by an iron frame in Pune.
At least 32 Govindas were injured in Mumbai and 10 in Thane while forming human pyramids.
Shinde cited government measures including adventure-sport status, a public holiday, insurance coverage and the Pro Govinda initiative.
- Who
- Dahi Handi participants, including Govindas, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
- What
- Maharashtra celebrated Dahi Handi, while Shinde urged safety during human-pyramid formations after deaths and injuries were reported.
- When
- Saturday, September 5.
- Where
- Celebrations took place across Maharashtra, including Thane, Mumbai and Pune; Shinde spoke at Tembhi Naka in Thane.
- Why
- Dahi Handi celebrations involve building human pyramids to break pots, and Shinde wanted participants to protect themselves and their teammates.
- Deaths
- Two people died in separate incidents in Mumbai and Pune.
- Injuries
- At least 32 Govindas were injured in Mumbai and 10 in Thane.
- Mumbai fatality
- A seven-year-old boy died after a brick column collapsed on him.
- Pune fatality
- A woman was crushed to death under an iron frame.
- Government measures
- Dahi Handi was granted adventure-sport status, a public holiday was declared, and government-backed insurance was provided for participants.
- National recognition
- The government launched Pro Govinda to promote the traditional sport nationally.