Ladki Bahin, women's safety dominate dahi handi festivity in election year

MUMBAI: Tuesday's festival of dahi handi encapsulated major current affairs that are churning politics in Maharashtra today. Even as CM Eknath Shinde defended his Ladki Bahin scheme, govinda teams raised the issue of women's security through skits and posters at dahi handi venues.

Nearly all noteworthy dahi handi events across Mumbai and Thane are organised by politicians. Saffron parties led by the Shinde Sena and BJP helmed the show with the MNS on the side. They announced grand prizes worth lakhs for govinda teams in the hope of winning some rewards themselves at this year's upcoming assembly election.

Apart from cash rewards, the political brigade infused shots of culture and entertainment. While film stars like Jeetendra, Karisma Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty and Bhagyashree visited venues in Mumbai and Thane, lavani dancers Gautami Patil and Radha Patil performed in Magathane, Borivli, and Thane. The Ideal handi in Dadar drew loud applause when skilled women govindas formed a pyramid and other ladies displayed traditional Maharashtrian martial arts. Elsewhere, DJs, rain dance and cranes with hanging pots were used to draw the public.

The CM's own Tembhi Naka dahi handi occupies pride of place in Thane. Shinde said, "We have conducted various welfare tasks, launched beneficial schemes for mothers and sisters, which we are confident will benefit us in the forthcoming assembly election."

Paying tribute to his mentor Anand Dighe, Shinde said, "Just as banners were put up for the Ladki Bahin scheme, our Ladka Bhau (brother) will also receive their due. We've honoured our beloved govindas by giving them insurance... No matter how much the opposition complains, we will be the ones to break the handi of the assembly poll."

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis broke a symbolic pot at Jamboree Maidan in Worli, where a controversial skit surrounding the Afzal Khan episode in Maratha history was staged. Fadnavis said, "All those Afzal Khan style traitors who threaten the unity and security of India and conduct anti-national acts, we will take inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji and defeat them -- the democratic way."

BJP politician Kirit Somaiya attempted his annual climb atop a stunted pyramid in Bhandup. Dressed in shorts, he also danced to Dada Kondke's 'Dhagala lagli kala' at one venue. In Ghatkopar, Ram Kadam drew celebrities and dancers. In Magathane, Borivli, Prakash Surve's venue was the centre of attention for its cultural quotient.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray visited half a dozen venues including Tardeo, Girgaum and Byculla. Samajwadi MLA Rais Shaikh went to Kalyan.

Dahi handi mandals put their best foot forward on the day of reckoning. Jai Jawan Jogeshwari made multiple attempts to form 10 tiers at Sanskruti but fell short. They scaled nine layers easily. Khopatcha Raja made the first nine-tier pyramid in Thane.

Hindmata mandal achieved eight tiers while at Kalachowkie, the Shivrameshwar team from Andheri scaled similar heights. An Amboli mandal did so at Magathane.

However, venues in Thane used small children in violation of state guidelines. A little child in blue and white tees collapsed from the top tier at the Sanskruti venue but was saved by his harness and lowered to the ground. Two children aged 12 and 13 were injured in Thane.

Road closure and traffic diversions were an outcome of the festivities. BEST spokesperson Satyawan Ithape announced that a total of 55 bus routes were either diverted or curtailed.

Oriental Insurance, the only company providing cover to govindas across the state, insured a record number of 1,00,138 govindas this season.

Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.