Mumbai dahi handis to go higher, grander: Height to age limit, it’s different this year

Dahi handi revellers in Mumbai and Thane flouted the Supreme Court’s order in myriad ways while celebrating Janmashtami last year

Remarking that “an accident could take place anywhere, even in one’s own home, or the toilet,” and that the courts need not issue regulations for “everything,” the Bombay high court on Monday refused to issue directions regulating the age of participants, and the height limit for the human pyramids formed during dahi handi celebrations.

Dahi handi revellers in Mumbai and Thane flouted the Supreme Court’s order in myriad ways while celebrating Janmashtami last year. (FILE)

What this means for celebrations:

IN 2016

20ft: Was the limit set by the SC for govinda pyramids

4 tiers: is what the govindas were allowed to go up to (rough height of 1 tier = 5ft)

18: Minimum age required to participate in the human pyramid

THE EFFECT

Celebrations across the city were toned down

3,387: Mandals got permission to hold the event

There were fewer injuries

THE PROTEST

Govinda mandals were found forming more than five-tier pyramids, but most of them offered a ‘salaami’ (salute) and stepped down without breaking the handi

The last tier at almost every mandal across Mumbai saw an underaged govinda, even as they remained mum on their age

While some mandals, supported by the Shiv Sena and MNS, brazenly flouted the rule, others formed sleeping pyramids to mock the rule

What has changed

IN 2017

Height restriction: The Maharashtra government is likely to ease the 20-ft limit

Age limit: The state told the HC it won’t let children below 14 years participate in the event

Precautions: The state has promised to take steps such as providing cushion layers, helmets, safety nets and chest guards, among others

THE PLANS

From DJs and artificial showers to Bollywood celebrities and cash prizes, political parties across the city are making grand plans for the day (August 15)

Read: Dahi handi injuries fell by 78% after height restrictions: Mumbai petitioner to SC