The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a thoughtful step to ensure the safety of ‘Govindas’ during the Dahi Handi celebrations. In this article, we will explore how BMC has made arrangements to treat Govindas in case they get injured while forming human pyramids during this festive occasion.
Dahi Handi is a vibrant and joyful festival celebrated in Mumbai and various parts of Maharashtra. It is observed as part of the Krishna Janmashtami festival, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. One of the highlights of this celebration is Govindas coming together to form a human pyramid to break a ‘dahi handi, ‘ which is essentially a pot filled with curd, butter, or other milk products hanging in the air.
BMC’s Preparations
The BMC has shown its commitment to the safety and well-being of Govindas by reserving 125 beds at civic hospitals across the city. These beds are readily available in case any Govinda gets injured during the formation of human pyramids.
Bed Distribution
Out of the 125 beds, the BMC has allocated 10 at Sion hospital, seven at KEM hospital, and four at Nair hospital. The remaining beds are distributed across various civic hospitals in the city and its suburbs. This strategic distribution ensures that medical assistance is accessible to Govindas regardless of where they are celebrating Dahi Handi.
Dedicated Medical Staff
Understanding the urgency of the situation, the BMC has deployed health officers and staff in three shifts at these hospitals. This round-the-clock presence of medical professionals ensures that injured Govindas receive immediate attention and care.
Adequate Medical Supplies
To provide effective treatment, these hospitals are stocked with essential medical supplies, including injections, medicines, and surgical materials. This means that everything needed to treat injuries is readily available.
The BMC’s approach to treating injured Govindas is well thought out. Those with minor injuries will receive primary treatment and can be discharged promptly. For those requiring more extended care and treatment, the hospitals have made necessary arrangements.
The Joy of Dahi Handi
Dahi Handi is not just a festival; it’s an embodiment of unity, teamwork, and the spirit of celebration. Govinda troops visit different parts of the city with the aim of breaking the dahi handi pot. Since this pot is suspended at a significant height, Govindas form multi-tiered human pyramids to reach and break it.
Safety Concerns
While the festivities are filled with enthusiasm, there are inherent risks involved. Participants in the human pyramids might fall and injure themselves, sometimes quite severely. Despite these risks, some event organizers offer substantial cash prizes to the Govinda teams that successfully break the pot. Some of the more renowned Govinda teams even attempt to create 8 to 9-tiered human pyramids, which can be exceptionally challenging.
The BMC’s proactive measures demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that Dahi Handi celebrations remain joyous and safe for everyone involved, especially the Govindas who make this festival truly spectacular. This thoughtful approach to healthcare during the festival ensures that the spirit of celebration can continue while minimizing risks and taking care of those who need it most.