Nagpur: Though general elections are drawing close, providing an opportunity for socio-cultural organizations to seek support from political parties and leaders, the Dahi Handi events in the city are drawing a blank in terms of both enthusiasm and political presence.
The event celebrated around Janmashtami is popular in Maharashtra where young boys and girls make human pyramids to reach a pot filled with goodies which is hung high.
Cultural organization Samvedana Parivar is steering clear of Dahi Handi event this year. “There are too many rules which we do not understand. As this is an election year, we don’t wish to get into controversy. We have affiliations with political parties and organizations and even a small error on our part will be played up,” says Sagar Kotwaliwal, a founder member.
Though Sadhbhavana Sanskurtik Krida Mandal at Chapru Nagar is going ahead with the celebrations, Narendra (Balya) Borkar, its president, says, “If the administration can demolish temples then we are at a bigger risk,” he says. But Borkar says that he takes all safety measures. “We put a thick cover of dry grass on the ground and cover it with 25 tonnes of sawdust to cushion the fall. Two ambulances are kept ready,” he informs. “But we will also have to shift or drop the event from next year as a metro rail pillar has come up at the spot where we hold this event,” he adds.
In 2014, through an order passed by the Bombay high court, children below the age of 18 were barred from participating. The order had also imposed a height restriction of 20 feet for the pyramids.
The state government had then appealed in the Supreme Court, which, on 1 August 2017, referred the matter back to the high court, directing it to hear the petitions afresh. The Bombay high court had then directed the government to regulate the height and ensure that organizers and Govindas follow safety rules. But the government has till date not issued any guidelines on this matter which remains mired in ambiguity.
Agreeing that the event is fraught with risk, Sanjay Khule, president of Itwara Navyuvak Mahamandal, says, “A slight mistake can get an FIR against the organizer. So, we are cautious.” Though he dropped the event last year, the organization is back with it with 60 teams taking part two being from Bhandara. “We provide insurance cover to all participants, and keep ambulance and a team of physiotherapists ready for any contingency,” he adds.
For the participants, it is the excitement that counts. “The arrangements are good and even the 20ft height is lowered in case we are not able to reach it,” says Nidhi Onkar of Cummins College of Engineering for Women. “Around 30 girls from college take part and we find it very safe,” she adds.
