The state instructed police, BMC and health officials to enforce the ban. It stipulated that human pyramids should not be formed because this human contact could lead to the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Instead, people should hold health camps and donate blood and observe the festival in private.
“The second wave of the pandemic may have receded, but the threat remains. Health experts have expressed concern over a third wave. The center has also advised caution. In view of this, the Dahi handi s “It should be celebrated in a simple way. Instead of meeting in public, people should watch the (cult) festival online or over cable networks,” the guidelines said.
Dramatic drama prevailed in Thane when city police arrested 18 MNS activists, including district president Avinash Jadhav, for creating a pandal and violating Dahi Handi state guidelines. Police dismantled the stage erected by party officials who sat at a dharna on the site of Bhagwati land. A case was reported after which supporters were released on bail.
Still, the challenge persisted. Avinash Jadhav said, “Whatever happens, we will move forward with Dahi Handi as planned, the government should not use the police shield. We were told to dismantle the stage. Without the stage too, we will continue. with the festival “.
Some Bombay govinda pathaks had attended the MNS event to express their dissatisfaction with the state ban. But the police action dampened his challenge. “We planned to travel to Thane and form a small pyramid, just to show our discrepancy. But now we are not sure,” a reputable member of Jai Jawan Mandal told Jogeshwari.
Governments are torn apart by rival political loyalties. Tadwadi’s award-winning president, Mazgaon, is coached by Arun Patil, who works as president of Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti.
Patil said: “We will comply with the government rule. Our boys will simply break a coconut in the local temple and can break a symbolic hand from ground level. No pyramids will be formed. In fact, the pathaks govinda of Borivali, Vasai and Virar they called me to ask if they had to make plans to leave. I advised everyone to avoid breaking the law. Don’t force the authorities to defend you from legal cases, “I said.”
In a parallel note, Mumbai police sent a warning to BJP leader Ram Kadam, who had tweeted that he would bring a Dahi Handi to Ghatkopar police station on Tuesday morning along with govinda groups. Similar notices were sent to people who posted on social media about the celebration with human pyramids.
Tomorrow morning at 9.30am at Ghatkopar Chirag Nagar police station with Govindapathaka along with Krishna and Radha … https://t.co/h0xm2XwOSc
– Ram Kadam – Ram Kadam (@ramkadam) 1630322473000
“We warn that any violation of state guidelines will invite action. We will register cases and arrest offenders,” a senior official from the eastern suburbs said.
Meanwhile, Thane Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti district supported MNS Dahi handi.
(Tickets by Nitasha Natu and Bella Jaisinghani)