Political parties say they are concerned about Mumbai’s young Govindas but insist that they will not follow the Supreme Court’s recent orders for increased safety during the dahi handi celebrations. The SC has banned those below 18 years from participating in dahi handi formations and has also capped the height of the human pyramids to 20 ft.

This is a welcome move, given the spate of grievous injuries we have seen during the dahi handi festival in past years. What should be a day of joy often becomes one of tragedy and gloom for families who witness their children hurt or, in extreme cases, fighting for their life.