Will break dahi handi of corruption: CM
THANE: Dahi handi celebrations in Thane made a mark with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’s presence for the first time, although fewer govinda groups visited the city. Mandals with higher price money drew large crowds.
Notable among all was the Jai Jawan Govinda group from Jogeshwari, who made the highest, nine-tiered pyramid, in the presence of the CM, at an event by Swami Pratishthan mandal, organised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shivaji Patil at Hiranandani Meadows.
The group, who also paid a tribute to soldiers and farmers, was awarded a cash prize of ₹11 lakh and a trophy. The event was the first ever event organised by BJP. “You break the dahi handi, we will break the handi of corruption, atrocities and malpractices,” said Fadnavis.
Sanskruti Pratishthan of Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik was accorded a sports status for their Pro Govinda event, where 15 Govinda groups competed. Sarnaik said, “Ten pathaks were selected from Mumbai while five are from Thane. All participating groups will get ₹50,000, while those forming the highest tier will get ₹5 lakh.”
While most organisers ensured safety regulations with harness and helmets for children on the higher tiers, a few Govindas were seen flouting rules with children as young as 14 years and below participating. Members of Jai Jawan group were seen without harness.
Sandeep Dhawale, coach of the group said, “We have enough confidence and practice, so we do not feel the need for harness.”
The event organised by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) at Naupada had announced ₹21 lakh for ten-tiered pyramids. The Jai Jawan Govinda group managed to form nine tiers here too. Avinash Jadhav, MNS leader, said, “We will award ₹11 lakh to Jai Jawan.”
Nayan Pratishthan, a group of visually-challenged Govindas, also made tiers at the Sanskruti Pratishthan event.
Meanwhile, the celebrations in Kalyan-dombivli were toned down. Several Govinda groups visited Sena Shahar Shakha handi at Shivaji Chowk, where Sena members contributed ₹70,000 to the family of late soldier Prasad Ganesh Mahadik from Virar and ₹30,000 to the family of the Vinod Surve, who was murdered near Kalyan station. In Dombivli, the BJP organised a handi with a message of savings resources for the future..
In Thane, 11 Govindas got injured while participating, including minors. An officer from Thane commissionerate said, “Two who are injured majorly have been admitted to Shivaji Hospital in Kalwa.”
In Vashi, the NMMC hospital authorities said one Govinda, suffered injuries. “He was Sakir Abdul Khan, 31, a Turbhe resident,” said an official.