Two die during dahi handi celebrations in Maharashtra

At least two persons were killed, one is reported missing and more than 85 were injured in various incidents as Maharashtra witnessed dahi handi celebrations in Mumbai and other parts on Monday.

One youth died in a dahi handi-related incident in central Mumbai’s Sion, while another drowned in Bhayander in Thane. A youth has been reported missing in the Arabian Sea at Versova Beach in Andheri, while four were rescued.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation disaster control cell said at least 87 youth sustained injuries while forming human pyramids at various venues.

Breaking the dahi handi, which carries curd in an earthen pot, is done to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna on Janmashtami. Festivities started on Tuesday with several Govinda groups of men and women, dressed in colourful clothes, fanning out across the city to try their pot luck, and celebrities such as Raveena Tandon, Suniel Shetty and Varun Kapoor, among others, joining the celebrations.

Maharashtrian laavni dance performers were also seen regaling the crowds. Thousands of Govindas also trooped out in other cities such as Pune, Nagpur and Kolhapur to form human pyramids and break the dahi handi.

Watch: Visually-impaired Govindas form human pyramid to celebrate Janmashtami

First Published: Sep 03, 2018 23:29 IST