On Monday, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with the representatives of Mumbai Dahi Handi Coordination Committee from the state via video conferencing. During this meeting, the committee members requested the CM to allow the festivities in the state on a low scale.
Janamashtami, the festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna on Earth is often observed with numerous rituals of which 'Dahi-Handi' is one of the most prominent. Dahi-handi -- earthen pitchers of curd or buttermilk are broken by multi-level human pyramids of `Govindas'' reaching for the Dahi handi, strung high up on a rope.
However, the request for the celebrations has been turned down by the task force. Several opposition leaders have expressed their displeasure over the same and have slammed the government, however, officials from the ruling party have said that the decision has been taken keeping the safety aspects in mind.
The government has also appealed to the citizens to celebrate the festival in a simple manner, with the families and friends, at the houses or premises, thereby support and cooperate with the government in these tough times. Meanwhile, Sitaram Kunte added that certain restrictions have been given to ensure people resume their daily activities which eventually helps the economy. However, the first priority of the government's first priority is to save the lives of the citizens during the pandemic. Most participants in the Dahi Handi celebrations are under the age of 35, where a large number of young citizens have not been vaccinated with both doses. Adding more information, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said that this could increase the risk during the festivities if the crowd gathers during the Dahi Handi. Considering all the safety factors, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cancelled all public events for Dahi Handi this year.
Before meeting with the CM, the Dahi Handi Coordination Committee held a meeting with state minister Aaditya Thackeray, the members had said that they will form small pyramids with limited people involved and only allowing fully vaccinated people to participate in the festivities.
Last year, many mandals cancelled the celebrations amid the coronavirus pandemic and government restrictions.
Despite COVID-19 cases witness a downward trend, the state government and civic officials have urged the citizens to follow the protocols and restrain from gathering in public places.
Also Read: CM warns about another strict lockdown if the COVID-19 cases rise in Maharashtra
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