Tourists from US, UK to witness Thane's mega dahi handi

Maharashtra Minister Jitendra Awhad, whose NGO organises a mega dahi handi celebration here, today said the event will see tourists from US and Britain and assured guidelines laid down for it will be adhered to.
Sangharsh, a Thane-based social organisation founded by the NCP leader, has been organising one of the biggest dahi handi events in the State on the occasion of janmashtam since the last 15 years.
Addressing a news conference here, Awhad said a group of 60 tourists from the US and Britain would be in Thane on Monday to witness the mega event, where "govindas" (volunteers) would form human pyramids to break an earthen pot filled with curd and strung high.

He said around 200 people from Spain will also be in town to participate in the festival, where prizes running into several lakhs are on offer every year.
Awhad declared that organisers would implement all guidelines containing safety measures and recommended by Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
Early this week, the Supreme Court said that no child below the age of 12 years will be permitted to participate in forming human pyramids during the 'Dahi Handi' festival.
It also asked the State authorities to ensure that the commission's guidelines are followed.