Mumbai, Thane leaders address Govindas at Dahi Handi events

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended more than a dozen Dahi Handi venues from south Mumbai to Thane and Navi Mumbai as leaders joined Janmashtami celebrations across the region.

At a Worli event organised by the BJP’s local unit and Rajyog Pratishthan, Fadnavis spoke about a drug-free Maharashtra. He praised the discipline and unity involved in forming human pyramids, and urged young people to stay away from addiction and contribute to society. His visits included celebrations in Worli and Ghatkopar, where he joined Govindas.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the Sankalp Dahi Handi organised by Shiv Sena legislator Ravindra Phatak in Thane. He told Govindas to stay alert while climbing. “You have families waiting for you at home,” he said, referring to pyramids that can reach 10 tiers.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik’s Sanskruti Yuva Pratisthan event in Thane featured actors Suniel Shetty and Sanjay Dutt, and cricketer Suryakumar. Shetty said speaking Marathi was necessary to live in Mumbai.

By noon, 22 Govindas had been treated for injuries during the celebrations, with no serious cases reported at the time.