SC Tethers High Ambitions: Dahi Handi Pyramids Stay Capped at 20ft
“The height of human pyramids cannot exceed the 20-foot ceiling fixed by the Bombay HC”, the Supreme Court said.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea seeking the modification of height restrictions on the dahi handi formations, saying it will remain at 20 feet.
It also barred children below 18 years of age from participating as govindas in the ritual of forming human pyramids during the celebrations of Janmashtami.
Govinda pathaks (groups), Govinda mandals (organisers) and political parties (MNS, Shiv Sena) have all spoken on record about flouting SC restrictions.
Police sent a notice to MNS after chief Raj Thackeray asked party workers and supporters to continue with 40-foot formations and not worry about contempt of court.
Several mandals in Mumbai form a human pyramid comprising of 8 layers every year. Some attempt a 9th layer, which is very difficult. Every year, there is curiosity about who can form the 9th layer. With the SC restriction of 20 feet (which many in Mumbai feel is unfair), only 4 layers can be formed.
Each professional mandal has between 200-500 members. They practice for months every year and spend over Rs 10 lakh on practice. This money is recovered as profits are earned after breaking handis, with higher heights and higher prizes.
As the prize money is related to height, mandals fear they will not be able to recover the money they have invested in practice this year.
Dahi handi is an essential part of Mumbai’s political culture. Leaders like Jitendra Avhad (NCP), Ram Kadam (BJP), Pratap Sarnaik (Shiv Sena) are called “dahi handi leaders”, as they grew after successfully arranging the event in their areas.
It is a matter of pride and prestige to the people, which depends on who can get the best mandals to perform or superstars like Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra to perform at Ghatkopar. Crores of rupees are involved in these transactions.
This year, more money would have been spent due to the upcoming elections but the Supreme Court restrictions have thwarted some of their plans.
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