206 Govindas injured while celebrating Dahi Handi in Mumbai

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 28 (ANI): The number of injured people during the Dahi Handi celebrations on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami has risen to 206, according to reports by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other private hospitals on Wednesday.

The earlier count of injured was 15.

The Govindas are reportedly getting treatment for their injuries at the respective OPDs of various private hospitals.

As per the report, 157 people have been discharged from various hospitals.

Three people have been discharged from JJ Hospital, in St. George Hospital, one person has been discharged while two others are receiving treatment in OPD.

Last year, during the Dahi Handi celebrations, as many as 195 Govindas were injured in different incidents. The BMC reported that out of the 195 Govindas, 18 were admitted to the hospital while the remaining 177 were discharged.

One of the major cultural activities, Dahi Handi is celebrated by filling an earthen pot with curd, butter and other milk products. Subsequently, a group of people form a human pyramid to reach the matka and break it.

The tradition symbolises Lord Krishna’s playfulness and innocence, as well as his love for butter and curd. Dahi Handi celebrations commemorate Lord Krishna’s act of eating Dahi hung at a height when he was a child.

As per the Hindu calendar, Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born on the eighth day of the month of Bhadra. The day mostly falls in August or September as per the Western calendar.

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated by offering prayers to Lord Krishna, with beautifully decorated swings, dance and music performances along with the Dahi Handi competition.