Krishna Janmashtami 2018: One Govinda (reveller) died in Mumbai on Monday while 150 others were injured in various incidents as Maharashtra witnessed 'dahi-handi' celebrations in the city and others parts of the state.


As per the report, a Region Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) official informed 13 Govindas, including two children - one a 10-year-old and other 12-year-old--suffered injuries during the festival. The injured Govindas were later admitted to different hospitals in Thane and Kalwa.

When the entire nation was celebrating Dahi Handi festival with gaiety yesterday, a 20-year-old man, Kush Khandare suffered an epileptic attack when he climbed the first layer of a human pyramid in Dharavi in Central Mumbai. He was taken to Sion Hospital where doctors declared him dead before admission, a senior police officer said.

In separate incidents in the island city and suburbs, 150 Govindas suffered injuries, according to the report.

The festival, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, was celebrated with enthusiasm across Mumbai, including in areas like Ghatkopar, Dadar, Lalbaug and Bhandup. The dahi handi ritual is part of the Janmashtami
festival in Maharashtra, where youngsters (called Govindas), dressed in colourful attire, make human pyramid to reach an earthen pot containing buttermilk and suspended in mid-air, and break it.

Religious institutions, political leaders and Govinda mandals took part in the dahi handi celebrations which were marked by frequent chants of "Govinda aala re" (Govinda has come).