Maha Govt's 'Pro Govinda' competition on Janmashtami: Here's how civic authorities ensure safety

Civic authorities in Maharashtra are fully prepared to ensure the safety of participants during this year's "Dahi Handi" competition, a highlight of the Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. The Hindu festival of Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami, or Srijayanti, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.

Krishna Janmashtami falls on September 6th this year, on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapad month. Today is the day for Dahi Handi celebrations.

One of the festival's cherished traditions is Dahi Handi, where enthusiastic participants, known as 'Govindas,' come together to form human pyramids. Their goal? To break open a suspended earthen pot filled with curd, a symbolic act that reflects Lord Krishna's love for butter and his playful nature as a child.


In a significant development, the Maharashtra government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has introduced the "Pro Govinda" competition as part of this year's Dahi Handi festivities. State Industries Minister Uday Samant announced this exciting addition on September 2nd, stating, "Pro Govinda is an event that has been demanded for many years, and it is now being organized under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde."

The "Pro Govinda" competition will take place at the NSCI dome in Worli, Mumbai, with the pot suspended at an impressive height of 40 feet. Cash prizes await the winners, with the first prize being ₹11 lakh, followed by second, third, and fourth prizes of ₹7 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹3 lakh, respectively.

In anticipation of the dynamic pyramid formations and the need for safety, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proactively taken measures. BMC has arranged for 125 beds in civic hospitals across Mumbai to ensure the well-being of Dahi Handi participants.

Among these designated beds, 10 are reserved at Sion Hospital, seven at KEM hospital, and four at Nair hospital, while the remainder is distributed across various civic hospitals in the city and its suburbs. To ensure immediate assistance in case of injuries, the BMC has deployed health officers and staff to these hospitals in three shifts. Moreover, these hospitals are well-stocked with injections, medicines, and surgical materials to promptly address any injuries that may occur.

In cases of minor injuries, Govindas will receive primary treatment and be discharged. For those requiring more extensive care, the hospitals are fully prepared to provide the necessary medical attention. With these precautionary measures in place, the "Pro Govinda" competition promises to be an exciting and safe addition to this year's Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in Maharashtra.