Raj Thackeray’s MNS Defies SC, Forms 40-Ft Dahi Handi Pyramid
The organisers have promised prize money worth Rs 9 lakh, for a pyramid 9 storeys tall.
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On Janamashtami, while most organisers are abiding by the SC restriction of a 20-foot Dahi Handi pyramid, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS has organised a 40-ft pyramid in Thane.
It is being called the ‘Kayda-bhang’ or the law-breaking pyramid. It will reach a height of nine storeys instead of the allowed four, and the prize money has been set at Rs 9 lakh.
Handis are organised by leaders of major parties – BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress, NCP – all of whom are following the Supreme Court’s restrictions. So far, only MNS seems to be flouting the law.
The Mumbai police has said that it will record videos of such handis and take action against the organisers on Friday.
On Wednesday night, a group in Dombivli broke the apex court order. However, the police did not take any action.
According a local news channel, the Gamdevi Women’s Govinda group in Goregaon flouted the height and age restrictions by forming a five-layered pyramid, with a minor girl on the top.
Govindas have found ways of protesting the restriction in innovative ways.
The breaking of the Thane Dahi Handi will only take place in the evening and there is a possibility that the Govindas back out from participating, given the police presence at the event.
Govinda’s waved black flags at the Dahi Handi celebrations to show their displeasure at the SC ruling. They also climbed ladders as a way of finding their way around the 20 ft cap.
In a do-or-die situation, the MNS leaders are likely to face arrest for their setting up of 9-storey high Dahi Handis.
For the hefty prize money waiting to be won, there are nearly 240 groups waiting in line.
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