Mumbai's Dahi Handi celebrations, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, were marred by tragedy on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with at least two fatalities and dozens of injuries reported across the city. The festivities, known for their vibrant display of human pyramids attempting to break pots filled with curd suspended high in the air, saw a somber turn as participants faced severe consequences while engaging in the daring feats.
One of the deceased was identified as Jagmohan Shivkiran Chaudhari, a 32-year-old man from Mankhurd. According to officials, Chaudhari, a member of the Bal Govinda Pathak group, was trying to tie a Dahi Handi pot to a rope from the first-floor window of his house in Maharashtra Nagar when he slipped and fell. He was rushed to Shatabdi Govandi Hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.
In a separate incident, a teenager was also reported dead, contributing to the total of two fatalities during the Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai.
In addition to the fatalities, over 95 "Govinda" participants sustained injuries during the pyramid formations in various parts of the city. While 76 of the injured were discharged after receiving treatment, 19 remained admitted to various civic and state-run hospitals, with two reported to be in critical condition. Other reports indicate that at least 30 'Govindas' sustained injuries, with 15 requiring hospitalization. The injured included 18 individuals from the island city and six each from the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai.
The Dahi Handi festival is celebrated across Maharashtra to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. The tradition involves troupes of young men and women, known as "Govindas," forming human pyramids to reach and break earthen pots (Dahi Handis) filled with curd, which are suspended in the air. This symbolizes Krishna's childhood fondness for butter and his playful attempts to steal it.
The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with the popular festival, where participants often climb to precarious heights to break the Dahi Handi. While the festival is a significant cultural event that fosters community spirit and showcases daring feats, safety concerns remain paramount.
Despite the tragic events, Dahi Handi celebrations continued in other parts of Mumbai and Thane. In Thane, the Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan event, organized by MLA Pratap Sarnaik, drew significant attention with over 300 teams participating and substantial prize money offered. A Govinda team from Jogeshwari, Konkan Nagar Govinda Pathak, set a world record by forming a 10-tier human pyramid during the Sanskruti Dahi Handi festival in Thane. The team also incorporated a 'Char Ekka' formation, where four participants are stacked atop a single person.
The authorities had put hospitals on alert to handle any emergencies arising from the celebrations. Civic officials confirmed that, apart from the reported injuries and fatalities, no other untoward incidents were reported.
The Dahi Handi festival in Mumbai is known for its large-scale celebrations and competitive events. "Govinda" groups from different regions of Maharashtra participate, and corporate sponsorships add to the allure of the prizes. The festival is not only a religious observance but also a reflection of the spirit of unity in Mumbai.
