Ban organisers who turned dahi handi into nuisance, says Raj Thackeray

Mumbai: Representatives of several Dahi-handi mandals on Wednesday met MNS chief Raj Thackeray at his Shivaji Park residence in the wake of the SC directing Bombay high court to hear afresh the state’s appeal against ban on minors’ participation in the celebrations and formation of human pyramids over 20 feet.

With the SC putting these restrictions, Govinda groups have been meeting politicians, asking them to intervene. Thackeray has appealed the organisers against commercialising Dahi-handi celebrations. Organisers pay more attention to DJs, celebrity guest appearances, and dance performances rather than concentrating on pathaks who come to perform during the day-long festival.

Targeting such organisers Thackeray said, “City-based Govinda pathaks should ban such organisers from participating and creating a nuisance. Political parties take advantage of this. If state takes cognisance, you don’t have to do anything.”