Though the Supreme Court’s verdict on Dahi Handi celebrations has not got down well with the organisers, injured Govindas have, however, welcomed the decision.
Though the Supreme Court’s verdict on Dahi Handi celebrations has not got down well with the organisers, injured Govindas have, however, welcomed the decision. Some of them spoke to The Asian Age about the horrific accidents that took place when they fell off human pyramids and expressed their sadness about being permanently disabled now.
Dayananda Bhadvankar (32) had participated in Govinda celebrations with the Vijay Bajrang Dahi Handi Pathak in 2008 and fell off from the sixth layer, damaging his spinal cord. Dayanand regrets the incident even after eight years. “The Supreme Court has delivered the right verdict today. Before going on to participate in Dahi Handis, a Govinda should remember that his family members are waiting at home. My suggestion to the Govinda mandals is don’t fight to increase the height of Dahi Handis and instead help the Govindas who are injured during the celebrations,” Mr Bhadvankar said.
He added that his family spent Rs 8 lakh on his treatment, but he still could not recover completely. He even ended up losing his job. “I am now unemployed for the last eight years. I cannot walk without the help of a stick,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nagesh Bhoir (29) from Bhiwandi has been bed-ridden for the past seven years after injuring his spinal cord while participating in a Dahi Handi. He was a member of Jai Maharashtra Dahi Handi Mandal. He used to work as a money collector in a local bank, but had to give that up after his accident. His family has spent Rs 40 lakh on his treatment so far, but in vain.
Mr Bhoir said: “I welcome the SC’s decision and expect that no accidents will take place this year. My life has changed completely after my accident, and I don’t wish the same for anyone.”
