Janmashtami 2023: Here's How BMC Prepares For Emergencies During Dahi Handi Celebrations

Janmashtami, also called Krishnasthami or Srijayanti is a Hindu festival that honors the birth of Lord Krishna, God Vishnu's eighth avatar. Krishna Janmashtami, which occurs on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha during the Bhadrapad month, falls on September 6 this year.

Today is the day that Dahi Handi will be celebrated across the nation. On this occasion, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is well prepared for any mishaps across the city.

What Is Dahi Handi?

A clay pot called ‘Matki’ containing curd, butter, or dry fruits is cracked open by participants known as ‘Govindas’ during the Dahi Handi celebrations of Janmashtami; a festival that is extensively observed in Maharashtra. This custom represents Lord Krishna's fondness for butter and his youthful mischievous nature. The Matki is tied up on huge heights and the participants by forming pyramids reach up and crack the Matki.

BMC’s Call For Emergency During Mishaps

Well if there are moments of joy and happiness during this festival, there are some concerns of dangerous mishaps as well.

On the instructions from Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and Additional Commissioner (Suburbs) Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, to prevent injuries during the pyramid formations for breaking Matki, BMC has implemented some countermeasures.

To prevent injuries during the pyramid formations for breaking Matki, BMC has implemented some countermeasures. To safeguard the security of those taking part in the Dahi Handi celebrations, BMC has set up 125 beds at civic hospitals throughout Mumbai.

Ten of these beds are assigned to Sion Hospital, seven to KEM Hospital, four to Nair Hospital, and the remaining ones are dispersed among various civic hospitals throughout the city and its outskirts. Three shifts of health officers and employees have been sent by the BMC to these hospitals. Injections, medications, and surgical supplies have all been stockpiled in these hospitals so that any injuries may be treated right away.

Govindas will receive initial care and be released in cases of minor injuries. The hospitals are ready to give the required medical attention to individuals who need more extensive care.

Announcement Of Holiday

On the account of Dahi Handi and the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, on September 7 a government holiday has been declared. This local holiday is given to government officials, schools, and colleges in Mumbai city and suburban areas. Apart from this, Ganpati Visarjan on September 28 is also declared as a government holiday. 

Pro Govinda Competition

Last year Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced Dahi Handi is considered a sport now. After his announcement, this is the first Pro Govinda Festival currently being held in Maharashtra. For this year's Dahi Handi celebrations, CM Shinde is all set to conduct the Pro Govinda tournament with cash prizes.

"Pro Govinda is an event that has been demanded for many years, and it is now being organized under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde," State Industries Minister Uday Samant stated on September 2.

At the NSCI dome in Worli, Mumbai, the Pro Govinda competition will take place with the pot suspended at a 40-foot height. The winners will receive cash awards; the top prize is worth 11 lakh rupees, while the second, third, and fourth prizes are for 7 lakh, 5 lakh, and 3 lakh, respectively.